The Buffalo Sabres haven’t made any big trades during the 2023 offseason. But that doesn’t mean they won’t wind up surprising us.
While it might sound farfetched, the Buffalo Sabres have plenty of capital to still pull off a big trade this offseason. With a number of players they can still trade and some they need to trade, plus the fact they have an abundance of prospects and even a few draft picks, it’s premature to rule out them landing what some may call a blockbuster deal.
Now, I’m going to be upfront: I don’t see any of the trades I’m about to mention happening, and two of them I wouldn’t endorse (one of which I highly doubt would occur anyway). But their names are still popping up on various outlets, so therefore, they’re worth talking about.
3 players the Buffalo Sabres could still trade for
1 – Brett Pesce
The Buffalo Sabres just signed Connor Clifton and Erik Johnson, so a trade for Brett Pesce seems unlikely. But they can still deal for the high-end blueliner and churn out a defensive rotation that could look something like this:
- Dahlin – Samuelsson
- Power – Pesce
- Johnson – Clifton
- Stillman
Such a trade would warrant the Sabres to get rid of one of their current blueliners, and Henri Jokiharju would be the likeliest choice here, plus Victor Olofsson. They could also part ways with one high-end prospect like Noah Ostlund, and even a mid-round pick.
2 – Connor Hellebuyck
Rumors are still swirling that the Sabres may acquire a veteran goaltender, and Connor Hellebuyck’s name just won’t go away until a would-be contender tries to acquire him. Like Pesce, Hellebuyck would cost the Blue and Gold more than a few assets.
In this scenario, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen would most likely be part of the overall package, along with a defenseman like Jokiharju, which gives the Winnipeg Jets a pair of young players to try and develop. But, they would also be looking for a top-end prospect like Noah Ostlund and a high draft pick.
In the past I haven’t recommended this trade. And even today, I’m still passing on Hellebuyck given his contract situation.
3 – John Gibson
Yet another name that just won’t go away, the John Gibson rumor seems to be gaining steam. And while I’m sure the Anaheim Ducks will reach a deal regarding Gibson at some point before the puck drops in October (or even before training camp in September) I wouldn’t be a fan of general manager Kevyn Adams pulling this one off, and I really would be surprised if it happened, as I mentioned recently.
Luukkonen would once again likely be part of the deal, but the overall package would be cheaper – something in the realm of a blueliner like Jokiharju. Further, if the Sabres were serious about acquiring Gibson, they shouldn’t be giving up an A prospect or even a high-end draft pick.
Gibson should have performed better over the last four seasons, even with a poor team in front of him. And his overall inconsistencies should keep Adams from making a serious offer here.
Source: Sabres: 4 best trade targets in 2023 NHL offseason by Colin Gallant, ClutchPoints.com