Friday's NHL trade deadline is fast approaching and the Buffalo Sabres have yet to make a move. They are in a position that they have not been in a while: Looking to see what pieces can give them an edge in the postseason push.
However, new management also knows that each piece will cost them others. The team has been linked to San Jose Sharks defenseman Timothy Liljegren as a trade possibility. He still is available and could be an option to upgrade the Buffalo blue line.
Sharks' Timothy Liljegren is due to become a restricted free agent in the 2026 offseason
In terms of the contract and the cap hit, it wouldn't be a lot for the Sabres to bring him in. Just a prorated portion of his $3 million salary for 2025-26. And he would be a cheaper option to build on what they will accomplish the rest of this season.
The biggest question is outside of the contract, what else will the Sabres will be looking at give up. If the deal for Robert Thomas falls through with the St. Louis Blues, both Owen Power and Jack Quinn would be a possibility to trade away.
Are the Sabres looking to add depth on the defensive end or are they looking to find more offensive firepower? Unlike the last few seasons, they seem to have had more options as to who can find the back of the net, which may give them more options.
Moving on from a player like Quinn may be more viable when it comes to adding the Sharks defenseman in Liljegren. Quinn also is still signed through 2027, and the cap hit would be a little higher ($3.375 million), creating a savings for Buffalo.
For Quinn, he does have 38 points on the season. However, he ranks in fifth place among Sabres forwards behind other centers and wingers.
If they chose to switch out defenders between Power and Liljegren in certain defensive situations after a hypothetical Quinn trade, there would be benefits.
The Sharks defenseman has 83 blocks compared to 67 for Power on the year. Defense may be key as March turns to April, and the Sabres will be tasting the postseason. Power, however, has more points to Liljegren and would retain the far bigger role overall.
It seems trading a player like Quinn would be the best option to bring in the defensive depth. Liljegren would bolster the blue line but probably isn't worth a first-round draft pick.
With only two days left before the deadline, the Sabres have a rare chance to make positives moves and not just trade away assets like past years. Maybe looking to the West Coast and adding depth like Liljegren could a great one.