It was an ugly start to the season for the Buffalo Sabres as they lost their first three games. The good news is that they are playing much better as of late with wins in five points in their past three games. It seemed given how the season began, that the expectation was that the Sabres could be sellers and head into another rebuild.
However, any rebuild would not start with Kevyn Adams as general manager because he needs results now to remain in his role. In fact, the Sabres would undoubtedly go the other way and probably be buyers to try and improve their chances to end their playoff drought this season.
The improved play should motivate Adams to make a deal, and he shouldn't miss this opportunity. However, with a roster that is one of the youngest in the league, he shouldn't be targeting players with 'potential' but players who may be deeper into their careers but may have a season or two left of quality production.
They have a deep group of prospects and draft picks that should be attractive to teams that are going to try and rebuild. This could make the Sabres the perfect trade partner for these teams, and if they do it early in the season, it comes with almost no risk and, in fact, could help them with one of their biggest issues.
Buffalo Sabres trading for veterans now could help negotiations with Alex Tuch
This has been a storyline for months going back to the summer and before training camp. The Sabres desperately need to sign Alex Tuch to a long-term deal and before he reaches free agency after this season.
A deal hasn't been struck and seemingly has been put on hold due in part to the start of the season they had. While Tuch probably wants to stay with Buffalo, he is a competitor who wants a chance to win a Stanley Cup.
If the Sabres continue to win and show they are committed to improving the roster, it could help restart negotiations sooner rather than later. It is something that would probably take a weight off the shoulders of the franchise and locker room by knowing one of their leaders is remaining with the team.
Trading early gives the Buffalo Sabres a chance to recoup some value by the trade deadline
By making moves early in the season, there really is no downside for the Buffalo Sabres and actually minimizes the risk of any trade. If they were to make a deal in the first month and the season doesn't play out the way they hoped, any veterans they add they could look to move to a team making a push at the trade deadline.
While not common, it isn't unheard of, and even happened last season with Mikko Rantanen as the Avalanche traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes. However, they realized it wasn't a good fit and Rantanen was not ready to sign a long-term deal with them, so they traded him before the deadline to the Dallas Stars.
It is still very early in the season, and there is plenty of hockey left to be played. For the Sabres though, they have a chance with their recent hot streak, so it makes sense for them to be aggressive. If they go add a veteran or two that can help them win now, it could be a huge win with very little downside.