For the first time in recent memory, the Buffalo Sabres are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline. The next few weeks is going to be the first big test for new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen as he tries to add to the roster to finally get this team back to the playoffs.
One of the players expected to generate a lot of interest around the league is a former player of Kekalainen from their time together in Columbus, Artemi Panarin. Kekalainen would trade for Panarin and then notably decided to keep him past the trade deadline in 2018-19 even though he was set to be an unrestricted free agent.
Panarin would leave in free agency and sign with the New York Rangers, and is in the final year of that deal. He has been very productive over the past few seasons with 102 goals over the past three seasons.
He is a veteran goal-scorer who would be a solid addition for the Buffalo Sabres, but he isn't the forward that Kekalainen should be targeting in a trade with the New York Rangers.
Alexis Lafreniere could use a fresh start and the Buffalo Sabres would be the perfect fit for that
Alexis Lafreniere was the first-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers and was continuing to improve each season until he had somewhat of a breakout season with 28 goals and 29 assists in 2023-24. Last season, he regressed somewhat but was still productive with 45 points. This season, though, has been a struggle with only nine goals and 15 assists.
It has gotten so bad that Mike Sullivan demoted Lafreniere and didn't hide from the reason, saying "part of it's performance-based", according to Vincent Mercogliano of The Athletic. Mercogliano went on to speculate that the Rangers might be open to trading the former top pick.
While Lafreniere is being singled out for his performance, the Rangers haven't gotten much production from several players. This raises the question if it is the player or the environment, and if the Sabres believe it is the second reason, then making a trade would be a great fit.
Alexis Lafreniere wouldn't cost as much as Panarin for the Buffalo Sabres to trade for
When considering the recent struggles, the Rangers probably won't get as much in return for Lafreniere as they would for Panarin. With how the Buffalo Sabres have played recently, they may not need to make a big splash but find some of these under-the-radar targets that could have a big impact.
That is exactly what Lafreniere could be, especially if he gets back to playing how he did in the 2023-24 season. The Sabres have several young players who could make sense with someone like Jack Quinn being a possible player to send to the Rangers.
This type of trade might be similar to what the Sabres did with the Senators, flipping Dylan Cozens for Josh Norris. Sometimes, teams realize it just isn't going to work with a player, and they need a fresh start. That trade worked out for Buffalo, and this could be something similar that helps them down the stretch and hopefully into the playoffs.