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Why the Sam Reinhart trade may be the Buffalo Sabres best from 2021

By Sion Fawkes

Mar 7, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) skates around Buffalo Sabres defenseman Robert Hagg (8) with the puck during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) skates around Buffalo Sabres defenseman Robert Hagg (8) with the puck during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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When we look back at the moves the Buffalo Sabres made in 2021, the Jack Eichel trade stands out. But the Sam Reinhart trade may be the best. 

When the Buffalo Sabres traded Jack Eichel, they didn’t know it yet, but they acquired two viable pieces for their franchise. Alex Tuch has become one of the best players on the team and an undisputed leader, while Peyton Krebs is one of the team’s most physical assets who can put up some points from time to time.

Buffalo also acquired a first round pick in that trade that turned into Noah Ostlund. They also got a second rounder, which they, in turn, sent to the Minnesota Wild along with a fifth round pick in 2024 for Jordan Greenway.

We know how effective Tuch and Krebs have become. If Ostlund eventually breaks into the lineup and Greenway gets it together after a full offseason, the Sabres are looking at a more successful trade than it’s already been. But the Sam Reinhart trade could eventually win out.

Will the Sam Reinhart trade be the Buffalo Sabres best from 2021?

The Sam Reinhart trade was a simple one: general manager Kevyn Adams sent him to the Florida Panthers and in return, he got Devon Levi and a first round pick that turned into none other than Jiri Kulich.

After posting a dominant season in Rochester, Kulich could be on his way to the NHL for 2023-24, and is one of a few possible replacements for Victor Olofsson should the Sabres opt to move the winger. If Kulich makes it to the NHL next season and continues to progress – and there is no reason why he won’t – look for him to become yet another cornerstone to the strong foundation this franchise built.

Of course, the Buffalo Sabres haven’t had a franchise goaltender in nearly a decade, but Levi is on the verge of changing that. Finding a viable franchise goaltender in the NHL is akin to finding a long-term franchise quarterback in the NFL, or an ace on the pitcher’s mound in the MLB, they don’t come around often.

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Levi can be that franchise goaltender for the next decade at least. And if that’s the case, along with Kulich becoming and remaining an important part of the team, then there may be no question that the Sam Reinhart trade is at least on par with the Eichel trade, if not more.

(Information provided by Hockey-Reference)

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