Could the Buffalo Sabres land Juuse Saros in a blockbuster trade?
By Sion Fawkes
There has been a lot of talk regarding the Buffalo Sabres and Connor Hellebuyck. But Juuse Saros could be a much better fit for the Blue and Gold.
If the Buffalo Sabres don’t want to risk a rental, then Juuse Saros would be a better option than Connor Hellebuyck. While Saros would cost roughly a similar amount in cap space ($6 million in total salary for 2023-24), his contract runs through 2024-25, so he’s not necessarily a rental.
And he’s two years younger than Hellebuyck, meaning Saros likely has a couple more seasons left in his prime than the Winnipeg netminder should the Sabres trade for and re-sign him. Like Hellebuyck, Saros could also be a 1A, given his 131 starts over the previous two seasons that saw him reach roughly a 0.918 save percentage and a 2.66 GAA, plus a quality starts percentage of 0.638.
Of course, Saros will come with a cost likely similar to Hellebuyck’s. Last season, the Los Angeles Kings were reportedly interested in acquiring Saros, per the following tweet:
The Kings/Predators had discussed a trade involving goalie Juuse Saros during the season, prior to LA landing Korpisalo/Gavrikov. A package involved multiple 1sts/prospects. I’m curious if LA revisits these talks this month or if that ship has sailed.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 7, 2023
What would the Buffalo Sabres need to give up for Saros?
If I’m general manager Kevyn Adams, I would have a tough time giving up the 13th overall pick. However, I would give up the following:
- 2023 2nd-round pick (39th overall)
- 2023 3rd-round pick (86th overall)
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
- Noah Ostlund
- Aleksandr Kisakov
This would give Nashville a pair of picks, a goaltender to replace Saros, an A prospect, and a B prospect. Ostlund would be coming to North America in 2024-25, while Kisakov is already in the AHL. Luukkonen showed signs that he can be a productive goaltender throughout his run from mid-December and through January, and that would be my selling point regarding the 24-year-old.
Related Story. Expect the Sabres to get a goaltender in 2023 offseason. light
Overall, if I had to choose between Saros and Hellebuyck, I’m going with the former. He’s younger, he would cost roughly a similar amount to the salary cap, and while the Predators would likely want the 13th overall pick, the Buffalo Sabres could offer a little more in quantity, keep their top pick, and still land Saros. He also has an additional year on his contract, allowing him to serve as the 1A for a pair of seasons.
Source: Nashville Predators: Juuse Saros Might be Destined to be Traded by Chad Minton, PredLines.com