Sabre Noise
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The worst possible players the Buffalo Sabres could trade for

By Sion Fawkes

Jan 24, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) carries the puck in the first period Anaheim Ducks at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun (6) carries the puck in the first period Anaheim Ducks at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 10: Jakob Chychrun #6 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at United Center on February 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2 – Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes

Many in the Buffalo Sabres faithful would love to see such a blockbuster occur. Chychrun is a young defenseman who plays a physical game and with 28 points in 36 games, he’s always a threat to score.

But here’s the problem: He can’t stay healthy! Chychrun only made it through a full season when the NHL played in the COVID-shortened 56-game 2020-21 season. Chychrun’s contract is also backloaded, where despite an AAV of $4.6 million, he will earn $5.4 million next season and $7 million in 2024-25. Quite the risk that the Sabres don’t need.

The Sabres need a defenseman, and a high-quality one. But there are better, more cost-effective, and safer options out there than Chychrun. Options who can stay healthy and still give Buffalo a physical edge the team needs.

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