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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Andrew Peeke’s physical edge should attract the Sabres

Andrew Peeke has played in just 20 contests this year, but if the Blue and Gold are looking for a Mattias Samuelsson type of player to replace the imposing defenseman, Peeke would make a lot of sense here. Unlike the first three potential pieces in this article, trading for a player like Peeke would be a valid idea whether the Sabres find themselves in legitimate contention in March or if they fold and look to prepare for next season. 

For one, Peeke is still very young, and his contract runs through 2026, so he would give the Sabres much help for the remainder of this season, next year, and even in 2025-26. This would give him a chance to become a long-term part of the rotation. He would also fit well with Rasmus Dahlin, Ryan Johnson, and Owen Power as his game is more than complementary to theirs. 

You can also compare his edge to Connor Clifton’s, and when Samuelsson returns next season, the Sabres will have a perfectly balanced rotation. Not only would this trade make the most sense out of the five listed, but it will give the Sabres an immediate return without worrying for a couple of seasons on working toward a long-term deal for someone like Peeke.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference as of Tuesday, February 6th)

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