Should Buffalo Sabres sign or trade for a blueliner, goaltender?

The Buffalo Sabres will most likely either sign or trade for a defenseman and a goaltender. But which is the better of the two routes in each case?

While it’s no secret that the Buffalo Sabres need a top four defenseman and an experienced goaltender, there should be a debate as to how they will acquire one of each. While we all expect the Blue and Gold to make the playoffs this season, the overall goal for long-term, sustained success must mean general manager Kevyn Adams should approach each transaction like it’s one big chess game.

In the game of chess, you always need to anticipate future moves and situations, and the same thing holds true in an NHL front office. Therefore, Adams can’t afford to be reckless and give up future assets just to bring in a star goaltender and/or defenseman unless Sabres fans are fine with short-term success at the risk of another extended playoff absence.

So when it comes to bringing in a blueliner and a goalie, what is the best ultimate route? A sign or a trade?

Buffalo Sabres need to acquire a D-Man, goalie at bargain prices

Per Cap-Friendly, the Sabres have just under $17 million in cap space. But they also need to think about the looming extensions for Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, along with potential extensions coming up for players like Casey Mittelstadt and Peyton Krebs, whose respective contracts expire at the end of next season.

This means the Sabres can’t afford to overpay for either a defenseman or a goaltender either via trade or free agency. Luckily for them, however, there are several options over age 30 available at the blue line and in the crease.

This would give Buffalo a pair of experienced, productive players without overpaying. Such a route would also let Adams refrain from putting those infamous “roadblocks” in front of his developing prospects for any longer than a few short seasons.

Adams could also make a trade for either position, but not at the expense of high-end prospects that fit into his long-term plans or high draft picks. I’ve spoken of several trades where Adams could acquire either an effective blueliner or a goaltender without giving up so much that it risks mortgaging the future.

So, should it come down to a trade or a signing? Honestly, Adams needs to explore both avenues thoroughly and roll with the one giving him the best possible player at the best price. He also needs to remember that he has prospects, especially at defenseman, who has NHL-caliber talent and that, even in a year like 2023-24, no player he acquires should stand in their way for any longer than two, three seasons tops.

Source: NHL Rumors: Sabres trade targets, and two intriguing names to watch this offseason by Mark Easson, NHLRumors.com