Canuck’s interested in trading vets - Sportnets.ca reports

[French Collection]

I am not interested in Quinn Hughes. He is Bryson sized and one dimensional. His offensive abilities are excellent but the Sabres need robust defensive types. Dahlin can produce nearly as much while bringing some hits and more defense. Hughes’ Norris trophy is a reflection of the view of Art Ross for Dmen vs all around Dmen.

Besides, he probably doesn’t want to come to Buffalo and have to share the #1 slot with Dahlin.

Sherwood would be a good addition if extended.

 

[Archie Lee]

I was trying to think of when the last time was that the Sabres made a mid-season trade, not trade deadline, to acquire a veteran player with the intent that the acquired player would better help them reach their goal to either make the playoffs or advance further in the playoffs that season, than the asset given up.  Thankfully there is a website that tracks all trades: https://www.nhltradetracker.com/user/trade_list_by_team/Buffalo_Sabres/1

People would have different views on what qualifies, but it's a pretty rare thing.  You need to go back to the 90's and then have some debate about the merits of Geoff Sanderson for Brad May and a 3rd on Feb 4, 1998. It is such a rare thing that it is a wonder that fans, me included, spend time speculating as though such a trade might actually happen.

[JohnC]

The best approach the Sabres can take is to stand pat and work with the players within the system. Our blueline unit is mostly set, with the hope that Kesserling eventually returns this season. Norris is soon to return, so there will be some shuffling of the lines. I don't know if Kulich will return this season, but if he does, then Östlund and Rosen can move up to fill in when needed. The roster has gotten enough buffer to the point that Greenway can be given games off when needed, which is another sign that roster depth is becoming a reality. 

Instead of searching the market for new players it would make sense to work out a deal with Tuch to solidify the roster. In my view, he is an essential player whose play is a plus and his presence provides a good example for the youngsters. Keeping in-house talent is more important than searching outside for talent. The position I'm taking doesn't foreclose player moves in the offseason, the better time to make deals. Hopefully, there will be some changes in the staffing who may be better at making player moves.  

[Eleven]

29 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

I was trying to think of when the last time was that the Sabres made a mid-season trade, not trade deadline, to acquire a veteran player with the intent that the acquired player would better help them reach their goal to either make the playoffs or advance further in the playoffs that season, than the asset given up.  Thankfully there is a website that tracks all trades: https://www.nhltradetracker.com/user/trade_list_by_team/Buffalo_Sabres/1

People would have different views on what qualifies, but it's a pretty rare thing.  You need to go back to the 90's and then have some debate about the merits of Geoff Sanderson for Brad May and a 3rd on Feb 4, 1998. It is such a rare thing that it is a wonder that fans, me included, spend time speculating as though such a trade might actually happen.

The Austin Strand deal doesn't count?

[DarthEbriate]

1 hour ago, Eleven said:

The Austin Strand deal doesn't count?

No. It was on deadline day.  😇

 

The closest Adams has gotten was sending the conditional 2025 NSH 7th he got in the Asplund trade to Columbus for F Eric Robinson.  That was on 12/6/2023. The conditions were not met (45 GP in Buffalo, he only played 40), Buffalo kept the pick and it became: F Melvin Novotny

 

Robinson was... ineffective with the Sabres. But in two seasons with Carolina, Robinson has 98 GP 19-19-39 and a +12 in 12:03 minutes/game. 143 hits.

We like Malenstyn for his PK work, and he throws some solid hits. His Robinson replacement numbers in the Sabres lineup: 97 GP 6-8-14 and -20 in 10:44. 261 hits

[LTS]

2 hours ago, French Collection said:

I am not interested in Quinn Hughes. He is Bryson sized and one dimensional. His offensive abilities are excellent but the Sabres need robust defensive types. Dahlin can produce nearly as much while bringing some hits and more defense. Hughes’ Norris trophy is a reflection of the view of Art Ross for Dmen vs all around Dmen.

Besides, he probably doesn’t want to come to Buffalo and have to share the #1 slot with Dahlin.

Sherwood would be a good addition if extended.

 

Maybe... and believe me I might already have seriously kicked into the holiday weekend drinking festivities.. but maybe..

The Sabres can help facilitate a 3-way trade that puts Hughes in NJ and shakes free a NJ player?

I mean, I understand that Kevyn Adams might be the only person who doesn't like a 3-way... but perhaps Jarmo is open to it?

Wow, that post is going to read strange later on. Especially since I've actually been working all day and haven't jumped into drinking yet.

[mjd1001]

On 11/25/2025 at 3:28 PM, Doohickie said:

When Norris is fully recovered he will be 1C and Tage will be back to the wing.  Mark it.

I really, really like Tage at center more.  I don't know if the numbers show he is better at center or wing, but when I watch him, I think he plays better at Center...and he seems to me to do his best work with the puck in the center of the nice, not from the dots out to the boards.

[Believer]

1 hour ago, DarthEbriate said:

Robinson was... ineffective with the Sabres. But in two seasons with Carolina, Robinson has 98 GP 19-19-39 and a +12 in 12:03 minutes/game. 143 hits.

We like Malenstyn for his PK work, and he throws some solid hits. His Robinson replacement numbers in the Sabres lineup: 97 GP 6-8-14 and -20 in 10:44. 261 hits

Ouch.

Still, think Makenstyn is a 4th Line Stud who loves to hit and brought much needed toughness to the team. His example is rubbing off on others. And, he has moves. That deke on Aho and goal on Andersen was a masterpiece. No telling when he might surprise us again.

[Doohickie]

1 hour ago, mjd1001 said:

I really, really like Tage at center more.  I don't know if the numbers show he is better at center or wing, but when I watch him, I think he plays better at Center...and he seems to me to do his best work with the puck in the center of the nice, not from the dots out to the boards.

I think he's both.  There are times when he's really on his center game and it brings the best of him.  There are also times when he does great on the wing.  To me, switching him is a good way to jump start him.  But with him at 1C it gives Norris a chance to get his game legs back on the third line or whatever.

[gilbert11]

On 11/25/2025 at 9:30 AM, GASabresIUFAN said:

Kulich isn’t tradable right now and I don’t think the Sabres would trade him if they could.  Until the blood clots are resolved he isn’t going anywhere and he is an effort player like Doan and Benson and we don’t have enough of those.  

Garland is an interesting idea.  A long-term Zucker replacement ?  I don’t think he’d cost as much as Kulich (if healthy).  The Sabres actually have a slight cap issue right now if Norris and Danforth are returning this season.  Some contracts need to be heading back to Van to make the numbers work.  I’d start a deal with Krebs and a 2nd rd pick or Wahlberg.  If they want Rosen, then Krebs Rosen for Garland and a draft pick.  I think Rosen proved he is a viable middle six forward during this call up which should have increased his trade value.

My biggest question is does Garland fill a need now? We still need real goaltending and defensive help.  I like to see management focus on improving those areas before forward.  

 

The constant talk about the defense and goaltending despite all the turnover we’ve experienced closely resembles the discussions over on TSW about the Bills and their wide receivers and defensive line.   The Bills don’t have a Dahlin though.

So, the goaltending is like the Bills WRs, where management keeps bringing in mediocre low cost veterans instead investing a top talent

The Sabres defense is also similar to the WRs, where there are too many LHD & not enough RHD, like the Bills keep bringing in guys that are slot receivers and not outside guys.

[Pimlach]

20 hours ago, DarthEbriate said:

No. It was on deadline day.  😇

 

The closest Adams has gotten was sending the conditional 2025 NSH 7th he got in the Asplund trade to Columbus for F Eric Robinson.  That was on 12/6/2023. The conditions were not met (45 GP in Buffalo, he only played 40), Buffalo kept the pick and it became: F Melvin Novotny

 

Robinson was... ineffective with the Sabres. But in two seasons with Carolina, Robinson has 98 GP 19-19-39 and a +12 in 12:03 minutes/game. 143 hits.

We like Malenstyn for his PK work, and he throws some solid hits. His Robinson replacement numbers in the Sabres lineup: 97 GP 6-8-14 and -20 in 10:44. 261 hits

I never thought Robinson was ineffective as a Sabre.    I am not surprised he is + 12 on a first place team while Malenstyn is -20 on a last place team either.  Look at their supporting cast and the difference in coaching and team structure.  

This forum has way too high of expectations for 4th line players on a last place team.   I put my scrutiny on the top 6 forward, the top 4 defenseman and the coaches.