It’s always a good problem to have when you have an influx of talented players on the roster at each position. And it’s an issue the Buffalo Sabres face.
The Buffalo Sabres have several players of differing values they may trade between now and the time training camp rolls around in September. For some players, it’s just a matter of time before they’re sent elsewhere, but for others, things may not be so clear-cut.
Below, I’ve listed five players who have been part of those trade rumors. Some will be wearing a different uniform this season, but others will stay behind in the Queen City and help the Buffalo Sabres return to the playoffs.
Who will the Buffalo Sabres trade before the 2023-24 season and who stays?
1 – Casey Mittelstadt
I can see the logic many are making in their argument to trade Casey Mittelstadt. With so many big names in the prospects pool, plus the fact Mittelstadt is coming off of a career performance in a contract season, it makes sense to trade him while his value is high.
If Mittelstadt reverts back to his former self and the Sabres decide to not bring him back, or if his stock keeps pointing north and he demands a much larger contract, then there is a good chance Buffalo loses him for nothing. However, Mittelstadt showed us last season he’s a versatile player who filled in well for Tage Thompson when needed, and he’s the probable frontrunner to replace Jack Quinn during the latter’s injury.
Further, Mittelstadt also has built-in chemistry with the Sabres. And for a team looking to make the playoffs, that chemistry will be vital to their success. Especially for the league’s third-youngest team.
Overall, Mittelstadt stays, as the Sabres, even after inevitable extensions for Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, have the cap space to keep Mittelstadt around if he repeats or improves upon last season. If not, then the Sabres have players in the system who can replace him, so it’s not like they’re losing out by refusing to trade the 24-year-old.
Further, there is always the chance Mittelstadt signs a long-term contract just south of what we’ve seen from Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens. With the cap space they still have, Buffalo should have no problem keeping Mittelstadt, and maximizing the team’s overall chemistry. Prediction: Stays in Buffalo/signs extension.