Buffalo Sabres
Sabres “In There” on Elias Pettersson Trade Talks with Canucks
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman says the Buffalo Sabres are jumping into trade talks with the Vancouver Canucks about Elias Pettersson.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has reported that the Buffalo Sabres have emerged as trade contenders to acquire Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson. It’s been a busy week in the NHL as a three-team trade involving big names like Mikko Rantanen, Martin Necas, and Taylor Hall caught everyone off guard. One player who didn’t move was Pettersson, but Friedman believes a deal was close. “There was a time yesterday I thought Pettersson was going to be a Carolina Hurricane…”
With 30 points this season and coming off a career-best 102-point campaign in 2022-2023, Pettersson remains a huge name in the rumor mill. It’s not surprising teams have looked into him and this isn’t the first time Friedman has linked the Sabres.
Friedman, speaking on Hockey Night in Canada during Saturday Headlines, revealed that with Carolina now out of the picture, Buffalo appears to be leading the charge. “I believe one of the teams that has really shown a lot of interest is Buffalo. There are others, but the Sabres are definitely in there,” he said.
“I think those talks continue, Friedman added.
The Sabres Have the Pieces to Get This Done
The Sabres have one of the NHL’s deepest pools of young talent, giving them the assets to make a trade that the Canucks would like. Friedman tossed out the idea of Buffalo sending forward Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram to Vancouver, but it’s not clear if those are the players the Sabres have dangled out there in discussions. Friedman admitted back in December he was spitballing when discussing that idea.
The Canucks, will be reluctant to move Pettersson without a huge return. He may be inconsistent, and the Canucks have hinted he’s having trouble becoming a superstar and living up to his huge contract, but Pettersson remains a cornerstone for Vancouver.
For the Sabres, the addition of a player like Pettersson would be a huge step toward becoming a consistent contender. They are looking for a difference-maker to boost them up the Eastern Conference standings. Pettersson alone might not be what does it, but it’s a big step.
While nothing is imminent, Friedman has fans now watching Buffalo and Vancouver as discussions continue. Pettersson does not have a no-move or no-trade clause this season. If the Canucks want to move him, now is the time. There is no guarantee he’ll be open to considering the Sabres when that trade protection kicks in.
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