Breaking News: 3 Interesting Trade Deadline Targets for the Sabres
Despite winning three of their last four games, the Buffalo Sabres remain distant from a playoff position, nearing their 13th consecutive season without postseason hockey. General manager Kevyn Adams faces the task of bolstering his youthful squad before the March 8 trade deadline. While the Sabres boast a highly regarded prospect pool, as noted by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, the NHL roster may not accommodate all of them.
While Adams is cautious not to sacrifice the team’s future for short-term gains, he can consider parting with some assets for immediate improvements. With the team narrowly missing a playoff spot last season, there’s a sense of urgency to enhance the roster for their loyal fanbase and sustain momentum into the future.
Adams’ track record in trades has been modest since acquiring Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs in the 2021 deal with the Vegas Golden Knights involving Jack Eichel. His most significant acquisition since then has been Jordan Greenway. Although it took time, Greenway has found his form with the Sabres, becoming a reliable penalty-killer with 20 points in 47 games this season. Adams has the capability to replicate such moves, and here are three potential targets he could pursue.
SCOTT LAUGHTON
Scott Laughton embodies a significant aspect of the Philadelphia Flyers’ identity. As a seasoned center, he brings a gritty style to his game while also making offensive contributions. Despite his value to the team, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere may find it challenging not to entertain the idea of trading Laughton, especially considering the substantial returns seen for players like Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan. According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, a potential trade involving Laughton could resemble the Barclay Goodrow deal in 2020.
Currently enjoying a career-best seven-game point streak with 10 points, Laughton, now in his 10th season with the Flyers, remains an integral part of their roster. The fact that the Flyers are contending for a playoff spot at the end of February continues to surprise the hockey world. Laughton, hailing from Oakville, Ontario, could be an ideal addition for the Sabres. With a manageable cap hit of $3 million for the next two seasons, he brings both toughness and proximity to his hometown.
BOONE JENNER
Similar to Laughton, Boone Jenner serves as the heart and soul of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Following Nick Foligno’s departure in 2021, Jenner seamlessly assumed the role of team captain and has excelled ever since. Despite the organization facing numerous challenges including player turnover, coaching changes, and subpar performance, Jenner has remained a beacon of positivity for his team. The 30-year-old veteran is on the verge of achieving his third consecutive 20-goal season.
Remarkably, Jenner’s salary is only $750,000 higher than Laughton’s over the next two seasons, making him an excellent value. Jenner embodies the type of gritty, hardworking player that fans in Buffalo would appreciate having on their roster. Moreover, if Jenner were curious about playing in Buffalo, he could consult former Blue Jackets teammate Eric Robinson, who joined the Sabres in December.
While the Blue Jackets may be hesitant to part with Jenner, a team like the Sabres could potentially sway them with a tempting offer, perhaps involving a first-round draft pick and a promising prospect. Considering the precedent of Columbus trading a captain before and the current interest from other teams, anything could happen during this time of year.
Philip Broberg
The 6-foot-4 defenseman was drafted eighth overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. While he boasts a strong background, he has yet to fully excel. In his 79 NHL appearances, he has only managed two goals and nine assists. Earlier in the season, Broberg struggled with the Oilers, failing to score in 10 games before being reassigned to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League by general manager Ken Holland.
Since joining the Condors, Broberg has flourished. Prior to being sidelined due to injury last week, he tallied an impressive 19 points and earned a plus-11 rating in 29 games. Given his success in the AHL, many teams may be interested in acquiring him from Holland. A trade involving prospects between the Oilers and the Sabres could be a logical move, as it wouldn’t complicate Edmonton’s salary cap situation. Although Broberg’s performance hasn’t yet translated to the NHL level, he is still only 22 years old.
Buffalo’s general manager Adams has expressed interest in acquiring players who can grow with the team. Broberg fits this criteria and could potentially fill a void in the Sabres’ top-four defensemen. Additionally, being alongside another talented Swedish blueliner, Rasmus Dahlin, could be beneficial for his development. Broberg is currently in the final year of his three-year entry-level deal, valued at $863,333 annually. Acquiring him wouldn’t likely require a significant extension.
Two key themes emerge here: contract stability, as seen with Laughton and Jenner, and team control, considering Broberg’s pending restricted free agency. These factors are crucial for the Sabres, influencing both immediate and future decisions. The team will need to carefully assess how potential trade targets fit within their salary cap and contractual structure as the deadline approaches.