3 players the Buffalo Sabres must move by the 2024 trade deadline

If the Buffalo Sabres sell at the trade deadline, it shouldn’t mean they are throwing their season away, but shedding the roster of players they don’t need.

By Sion Fawkes | Jan 22, 2024

Dec 2, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Erik Johnson (6) looks on / James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

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Dec 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Buffalo Sabres left wing Victor Olofsson (71) skates against / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

2 - Victor Olofsson, W

It’s hard to believe Victor Olofsson is still here, but now that we know the 28-year-old can play better defense than we previously thought, someone may give him a longer look. Olofsson still isn’t worth more than a late-rounder or a pair of middling prospects. However, any contender also looking to improve their man advantage could inquire about Olofsson, especially since he can also contribute defensively.

While Olofsson hasn’t seen much time on the power play across the first three months of the 2023-24 season and has therefore scored no goals at 5-on-4, he still has 34 of them in his career. Note that he’s only scored 87 overall, so a solid 39 percent of them have come on the power play.

It wouldn’t take much for the Sabres to replace Olofsson if the team stays healthy, and if not, then a prospect like Jiri Kulich can finally get an extended look. Overall, this shouldn’t be a tough move if a contender calls and even offers near-minimal compensation.

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