Josh Wegman of The Score took a closer look at the NHL’s Atlantic Division teams and some possible moves that might be coming down the pipe. In one section, he specifically looks at the Buffalo Sabres and their need to add a second-line center.
While attempting to figure out how they’ll grab said player, Wegman noted that it’s possible the team moves a defenseman., specifically from the right side where the team is deeper.
He notes:
The UFA market doesn’t have the solution, unless you’re a believer in Carl Soderberg, Derick Brassard, or Erik Haula. Internally, although the line of Victor Olofsson, Marcus Johansson, and Dominik Kahun gelled together well toward the end of the season, Johansson is better suited on the wing, not as a second-line center. Former top-10 pick Casey Mittelstadt has been a flop thus far.
So, that means the Sabres might try and acquire this player via trade. He projects Rasmus Ristolainen seems the most likely to be shopped, but wonders if moving him alone is enough value for second-line center.
Would the Sabres be willing to move other pieces? Or, will they have to narrow down their search to teams that have cap issues and are willing to take less back in trade, knowing they’re alleviating some cap issues.
At this point, no NHL teams will be making moves and without much clarification on the trade market and salary cap, no team will. But, the Sabres seem to be preparing themselves to make two moves Wegman notes are on their to-do list.
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