5 defensemen the Sabres must consider trading for after Samuelsson’s injury

The Buffalo Sabres just sustained a massive loss to their blue line when Mattias Samuelsson was ruled out for the season.

Apr 4, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke (2) carries the
Apr 4, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Andrew Peeke (2) carries the | John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Senators may agree to hand Jakob Chychrun over at the right price

This time last season, a strong contingent of Blue and Gold fans wanted to see Jakob Chychrun in a Sabres uniform. But that didn’t happen, and the former Arizona Coyote landed with their division rival, the Ottawa Senators. While some may find it unlikely to see Ottawa trading Chychrun to a division rival, it’s also important to remember that the Senators are a bad hockey team with a bad prospects pool. 

Chychrun also has a contract that lasts until 2025, meaning if the Sabres want to keep him long-term should a trade like this materialize, they don’t need to rush if they plan on extending him. That’s another chip the Senators can use, and whether it’s Buffalo or even another team in the Atlantic offering some young talent, Ottawa won’t have a problem making a trade. 

Like Hanifin, it will mean parting ways with at least a top prospect if not a couple of them, so that’s a tough decision Adams must make if he wants to strengthen the blue line in Samuelsson’s absence and beyond. Also, Ottawa will be expecting a high draft pick, so once again, it comes down to opportunity cost. But since Chychrun is still a young player yet an established talent, trading a couple of prospects and a draft pick isn’t too steep of a price.

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