Buffalo Sabres
3 Trade Candidates for the Buffalo Sabres This Season
The Buffalo Sabres are once again underperforming, and the potential for large trades is growing with three obvious candidates.
It looks to be yet another disappointing year in Buffalo, as the Sabres sit last in the Atlantic (14-20-4, with 32 points). After making barely any major moves in free agency, it was inevitable that the Sabres wouldn’t do too well. Not surprisingly, trade talk surrounds this team again. Let’s take a look at three players who may be the leading trade candidates for a Sabres team that might be feeling the pinch to make a pre-trade deadline move.
Bowen Byram Will Help a Winning Team
Bowen Byram, 23, is shining bright this season. Tallying 21 points (4g, 17a) in 38 games. Even with Byram being on a team such as the Sabres, he has managed to maintain a plus/minus of +5. Byram is currently on a three-game points streak with three assists.
While he may be performing well for the Sabres, the team itself isn’t. Byram is on an expiring deal, making him a restricted free agent this summer. As a result, management may capitalize on his trade value and ship him off to teams eying him as of late.
Connor Clifton Is Reliable Defensively
Another defenseman, Connor Clifton, is also seen as a prime candidate for a future trade. Clifton, 29, is signed with Buffalo on a three-year contract for $10 million that expires at the end of next season. He currently has seven points (all assists ) in 36 games and a plus/minus of +4.
Clifton has solidified himself as a reliable third-pairing defenseman over the years. In Buffalo, he has managed to record a plus/minus of +16 while only playing an average of 16 minutes a night. Clifton can be good for any team looking for a non-rental piece that will strengthen the defensive core.
Jason Zucker Will Lead Any Team Anywhere
Jason Zucker, 32, signed with the Sabres this offseason on a one-year, $5 million deal. Zucker has recorded 26 points (11g, 15a) in 38 games with the club, playing on their top offensive line. He has proven himself crucial to the Sabres powerplay as 11 of his points were recorded on the man-advantage, five of which were goals.
The former King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner is the ideal role model and leader. While his cap hit may not be very friendly to some, the attributes he brings to the team on and off the ice is too much to look over. It may be time to capitalize on his abilities and move him to a team needing strong leadership.
Next: 3 Trade Candidates for the New York Islanders This Season
