Value in offensive production has been the main question as to who the Buffalo Sabres will either keep or move on from this offseason. Players who provided value for both goal scoring and assists have been talked about at length the last few weeks.
Yet, the Sabres must also find value in physical play, penalty kill and leadership. There is a player who meets those criteria. But he is also a player who has been talked about as a trade chip this summer.
Veteran winger Jordan Greenway has been an important part of the Sabres when healthy during his tenure in Western New York.
He has defensive qualities, which can be seen as important for a younger roster. Due to his size and style of play, he has drawn defenders to him, which has led to open looks for more prolific scorers.
He has been injury prone during his time with the team, which may be why they would be looking to make a deal to move him. But what he provides would more important than any possible draft pick or depth piece they could add in a trade, despite his $4 million salary-cap hit.
Old-school hockey and needing players willing to drop the gloves could be vital for the Sabres next season. Teams will be looking to make sure they don't repeat as Atlantic Champions and more physical play from opponents is probably coming.
Jordan Greenway's biggest skill for the Sabres is on the penalty kill
He saw a lot of minutes when the Sabres were shorthanded and had many key shot blocks. The forward was willing to put himself on the line time and time again to help boost the league's fourth-ranked penalty kill.
Greenway was utilized often during the PK despite limited 5-on-5 minutes. He may have not been prolific as a scorer but also proved his value in that area during the postseason.
The 29-year old had two goals and an assist during the team's playoff run. Looking for unlikely players to make an offensive impact can be the difference between who wins a series and who does not.
Keeping Greenway for another run at the Stanley Cup could provide the same type of spark that he did this season. If he can continue to stay healthy like he did during the playoffs, he may a big member of the roster for the entire campaign, too.
His offseason, and how he returns to the team following a healthy summer, may give them a glimpse as to what they can expect during the season. That's assuming he isn't traded, of course.
If he stays in Buffalo, Greenway's value should not be overlooked when they do return for the first skate of training camp ahead of the 2026-267 season.
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