2 – Blockbuster trade for a top four defenseman
This is another rumor that will go to the wayside once the Buffalo Sabres pick the best player on the board at 13th overall. To build long-term success, you need to keep building the prospects pool, and while it’s tougher to maintain when the team is winning, it’s not impossible if you stick to the method that made your team relevant in the first place.
In Kevyn Adams’ case, that involved drafting solid players and building the organization via prospects, not trades. While a top four blueliner in their mid-20s would fit the Sabres long-term plans, it still mortgages the pool regarding trading away some top talents for such an established player.
It’s true that not all prospects in that strong pool will play in the NHL for the Sabres, and yes, the inevitable blockbuster trade will occur. But it won’t happen at the risk of trading away a top prospect, or prospects, in 2023.
Once the Sabres have nothing more than an opening or two in the lineup, then you may see this kind of trade happen. But it won’t occur until at least 2024, perhaps even 2025, depending on what the roster looks like.