Buffalo Sabres: Trade or keep the 11th overall pick?
By Zach Jezioro
In 12 days, the 2024 NHL Draft will take place from The Sphere in Las Vegas. At the current moment, the Buffalo Sabres are set to pick at 11th overall. For the last couple of weeks, there has been debate amongst the fanbase and in the hockey world about what the team should do with the pick.
(cont.)
— The Sabre Report (@TheSabreReport) June 7, 2024
"...And the thing is, they haven't limited it to 'we want this'. They're willing to move down, get more assets, they're willing to get a player for it.
I think they're really interested in another top-six forward. That's what I think they're looking for. And if they…
(cont.)
— The Sabre Report (@TheSabreReport) June 7, 2024
"...One of the things Buffalo has indicated is they've gone a bunch of their guys signed obviously, but they have the next wave of players coming.
Eventually they're going to have to sign those guys too, and they don't want to walk themselves into cap problems..."
"...But if there's an impactful top-six forward out there, they're looking."
— The Sabre Report (@TheSabreReport) June 7, 2024
As you can see in the thread above, Elliotte Friedman talks about the possibility of trading the pick. In this article, I'm going to make a case for both trading the pick and keeping it. Here is what general manager Kevyn Adams should do with the pick from both sides of the spectrum.
Keeping the pick
Let's start with why they should keep the pick. Bulking up their defensive core could be an option if they choose to keep 11th overall. With all the talent they have up front in the system, it is possible the Sabres can go defense with their pick. Last year, Buffalo held the 13th overall pick, which resulted in them selecting Zach Benson.
That was considered a steal for the Sabres and if Benson can build off his rookie year, what a get it was for Adams and Buffalo. While draft picks are hit or miss, the Sabres could get another steal if they stay put at 11.
Trading the pick
Now it's time to make the case to trade their selection. As shown in the thread above, the Sabres could use 11th overall to acquire a proven NHL player. In a poll I made on Twitter/X, I asked fans what Buffalo should do and it seems like trading it is the popular option.
Adams has told everyone that he is ready for Buffalo to take the next step as a franchise. If the Sabres trade the pick, they could very well pick up a solid player. With the current youth they have, those young players are also looking to take the next step.
With the addition of a proven talent, it could very well help Buffalo take a step forward.
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