The Sabres aren’t finished, but at this point, it would take nothing short of a historic run to climb back into serious playoff contention. That dreaded “step back” occurred this year after what was a rather successful season in 2022-23, but sometimes a “step back” isn’t always a bad thing as it does give young teams like the Blue and Gold to get rid of some players for at least a modest price tag.
And Buffalo has a few of them, including younger players in the final years of their respective contracts, along with aging veterans who would better utilize their services elsewhere. One of those players who the team should trade at the deadline is Victor Olofsson, a winger who was once a solid scoring threat for an otherwise underperforming Sabres team.
Olofsson hasn’t seen the ice as often this season, but that doesn’t mean he won’t bring in a solid return. Here are three reasons the Sabres can salvage more than what you may think for the 28-year-old.
Victor Olofsson can still be a sound power play specialist
Victor Olofsson has played in 35 games this season, scored zero power play goals, and just two total points on the man advantage. While Olofsson has a new role this season as a part-time player and isn’t always used on the man advantage, contenders shouldn’t let this deter them from at least inquiring about the former power play specialist.
With 34 career goals at 5-on-4 plus another 26 assists, roughly one-third of Olofsson’s career points have come on the power play. Therefore, don’t be surprised if a contending team’s front office comes calling to see if they can trade a mid-to-late-round pick for the winger’s services.
The Sabres shouldn’t have a problem sending Olofsson elsewhere for a modest price tag, as doing so could make room for a prospect like Jiri Kulich or Isak Rosen to move up the ranks. Should Buffalo choose to leave the duo in Rochester, there are plenty of other skaters in the AHL they can promote.