The 2023-24 Buffalo Sabres Mock Trade Analysis: Early Edition
One of my favorite things to do when I’m exploring the world of the Buffalo Sabres is looking at mock trades on the Armchair GM from CapFriendly.com.
I thought it’d be a fun idea to look at what other Buffalo Sabres fans or fans of other teams have in mind with the Blue and Gold. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Move 1: By user HCSG titled SAROSDUMBATUZZIRICO
Pittsburgh Penguins acquire: LW/RW Victor Olofsson
Sabres acquire: RHD Jeff Petry, 2024 2nd, 2025 2nd
Analysis: High risk, high reward. I’d accept. Submitted by A Penguins Fan.
The risk is Petry is 35 years old and turns 36 in December. He has two seasons remaining on a contract that carries an AAV of $6,250,000. He would also have to waive his NTC/NMC which he submits a 15 team no trade list.
Jeff Petry could be a great asset for the Buffalo Sabres
However, the Sabres are in dire need of a veteran defenseman. More specifically one that’s right handed to play on the second pair with Owen Power. He has good size and weight (6’3 – 207 lbs). He wore the “A” for 3 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, which adds to the philosophy of Kevyn Adams and Don Granato by bringing leadership into the locker room.
For his age, Petry is still fairly productive with five goals, 26 assists, and 31 points in 61 games. He had a whopping 190 hits and 111 blocks this season in those games.
For the Penguins, who finished 16th in the league in scoring, would get a middle six, one-dimensional goal scorer. The Penguins would save a couple million in cap space through this trade which is something they need.
The Sabres have plenty of cap space, so we can afford Petry and still upgrade in other needed areas. Plus, two second round picks can be used for future trades or to keep our prospect pipline strong.
Credit: HCSG, CapFriendly.com
Move 2: By user jwg314 titled PLAYOFFS
This one was done by a Buffalo Sabres fan so it includes a series of trades and two interesting signings. Let’s get to it.
Trade: Sabres – Carolina Hurricanes
Hurricanes acquire: LW/RW Victor Olofsson ($2,375,000 retained)
Sabres acquire: RW/LW Dominik Bokk (signing rights) and 2023 3rd (NYR)
Analysis: I’d accept (if Move 1 was not accepted).
This trade is interesting for sure. Bokk is only 23 years old and becomes a RFA this summer. He played this season in the DEL and had 24 goals 25 assists for 49 points in 43 games. It’d be cool to see him play for the Rochester Americans next season. It would add more forward depth after Jiri Kulich and Lukas Rousek (hopefully) get promoted to the NHL full time.
The Carolina Hurricanes, who are already a threat, being second place in the entire league, get a third line goal scorer who has three 20 goal seasons. Buffalo gets the third round pick as compensation for retaining salary.
Move 3: Also by user jwg314 titled PLAYOFFS
Trade: Sabres – Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers acquire: RHD Henri Jokiharju and C Noah Ostlund
Sabres acquire: RW Travis Konecny
Analysis: ACCEPT. ACCEPT. ACCEPT. One million times accept!
I don’t think this trade is super realistic. The Philadelphia Flyers, despite being a rebuilding team, can easily get that and a first for Konecny. The Buffalo Sabres have one of the best prospect pools in the league. In fact, it creates a logjam of the future. Adams has mentioned that’s a really good problem to have. So our prospects are more so expendable if we think it can help us long term.
Travis Konecny is 26 years old and has two seasons remaining with an AAV of $5,500,000. In 60 games he had 31 goals and 30 assists for 61 points. If you read my last article, you will remember that I referenced our second line. The right wing spot on that line is up in the air. Through this trade, Konecny will slot right into that spot. Our top six will be:
Line One: Skinner – Thompson – Tuch
Line Two: Mittelstadt – Cozens – Konecny
That would be LETHAL.
The Flyers do get a former first round pick center in Noah Ostlund. A position that the Sabres are already set on. Jokiharju is only 23 years old and becomes a RFA after next season. I can see them making this trade, but I also think they could get more. I’d be happy to part with a conditional 2024 first round pick.
Conditions are if Buffalo makes the playoffs, it is our first rounder. If we somehow miss the playoffs, the pick becomes a 2024 second instead.
Move 4: Another one by user jwg314 titled PLAYOFFS
Trade: Sabres – Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings acquire: G Eric Comrie
Sabres acquire: 2023 4th (MIN)
Analysis: I’d accept.
However, I don’t think the Detroit Red Wings make this trade. I’d be surprised if we could get a fourth for Comrie. I think this one is pretty self explanatory.
Trade: Sabres – Chicago Blackhawks
Blackhawks acquire: C/LW Peyton Krebs and G Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Sabres acquire: RHD Connor Murphy
Analysis: I’d reject this trade.
It’d be cool to acquire a RHD vet like Connor Murphy. He’d fit well on our roster in a position we need. However, to get rid of a young stud like Peyton Krebs and a young goalie like Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen doesn’t make sense. Krebs is only 22. He’s well liked in the locker room, and still has plenty of potential. He fits well with this team despite struggles.
This season at times UPL has looked really good and like starter material. Other times he has looked like be belongs in the AHL. Consistency has been his biggest struggle this season. Now he has competition in net with another young highly valued goalie. Next season we should roll with the duo of Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Two signings: G Antti Raanta, LW Max Pacioretty
Analysis: Neither would be a good signing.
As mentioned above, Luukkonen and Levi in net should leave us set. I can see the Hurricanes re-signing him anyway. As for Pacioretty, I don’t like the idea of bringing in veteran forwards which would take the roster spots of our prospects like Rousek or Kulich.
Credit: jwg314, CapFriendly.com
Move 6: By user Bdawwwgy1 titled UP AND DOWN PLAYERS WHO FILL A NEED
This trade is done by a Columbus Blue Jackets fan.
Blue Jackets acquire: LW/C Casey Mittelstadt
Sabres acquire: RHD Andrew Peeke and 2023 1st (LAK)
Analysis: I’d reject.
The Buffalo Sabres need a veteran RHD. Preferably one with playoff experience. Peeke is 25 years old. Despite being on a very team-friendly contract, he wouldn’t be much of an upgrade over Jokiharju. The first round pick would be awesome, but it’ll likely be in the 20-30 overall range with the Los Angeles Kings being in the Playoffs. Mittelstadt is more valuable to us than that.
Credit: Bdawwwgy1, CapFriendly.com
Related Story. Three Buffalo Sabres will sign extensions in 2023-24. light
Let me know in the comments what you think of these mock trades! It was fun looking at them and analyzing the possibilities. If you really liked the reading and want to see more like this, I’d be happy to do more this summer so please let me know. Thanks for reading!