Sabres Need to Trade 9th Overall

[TageGod]

Who is trading their top center for a 8M center that has played 114 games in the last 3 seasons and scored 68 points and a draft pick in what is a pretty weak draft.

There is probably marginal cap savings AND you are taking a gigantic risk with relying on Norris to be healthy.

Only one GM in the league is dumb enough to take on that Norris contract......

It's awfully bold of you to think ONE GM is capable of making dumb moves. Sucker born every day, especially NHL GM's.

 

[TehDoak]

It's awfully bold of you to think ONE GM is capable of making dumb moves. Sucker born every day, especially NHL GM's.

I think there is only one other GM who hasn't made the playoffs in their tenure and their tenure is longer than 3 years, and that is Yzerman.

I'm sure if Norris has a fully healthy season and puts up 60+ points he becomes much more movable asset. But until that happens.....

Edit: Also Bill Armstrong as well, but....much different set of circumstances for him.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

If they are moving the pick for a roster player, that deal is highly unlikely to get done when the Sabres are on the clock. It will drop before the 1st round begins.

That is so obvious that it doesn’t need to be said, but I guess you’re bored.

Last time I remember a top 10 pick being traded, the team was on the clock. Of course the chances are small since it is an extremely narrow window of time, but you can make deals with teams that say “in the rare event that x is available, we’ll give you y for them,” like what Vancouver/Devils did.

That’s what I’m suggesting and there’s definitely recent precedent.

 

[Jim Bob]

That is so obvious that it doesn’t need to be said, but I guess you’re bored.

Last time I remember a top 10 pick being traded, the team was on the clock. Of course the chances are small since it is an extremely narrow window of time, but you can make deals with teams that say “in the rare event that x is available, we’ll give you y for them,” like what Vancouver/Devils did.

That’s what I’m suggesting and there’s definitely recent precedent.

In 2022, Chicago traded Alex DeBrincat to Ottawa in the afternoon before the first round of the draft for three picks, including 7OV.

And I don't think any of these happened with the team on the clock.

2022: Alex DeBrincat for 7OV, 39OV, & ’24 3rd

Alexander Romanov & 98OV for 13OV

Kirby Dach for 13OV & 66OV

Kevin Fiala & rights to Brock Faber for 19OV

2021: Oliver Ekman-Larsson & Conor Garland for Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, 9OV, 47OV, & 203OV

Seth Jones, 31OV, & ’22 6th for Adam Boqvist, 11OV, 43OV, & ’22 1st (top 2 protected)

Rasmus Ristolainen for Robert Hagg, 13OV, & 39OV

2020: Kasperi Kapanen, Pontus Aberg, & Jesper Lindgren for Evan Rodrigues, Filip Hallander, David Warsofsky, & 15OV



What trade are you thinking of?

 

[Ace]

If you want the player who is actually going to play for you now…especially when your leadership is years past their expiration date and desperately needs to win…

The difference between a surprise drop from Hagens or Martone and taking Eklund or McQueen isn’t going to factor one iota into that decision. The difference isn’t worth caring about…and you won’t be here to see any of them play if you get it wrong anyway.

If someone there is finally going to nut up…do it with conviction.

 

[THUNDERBURST]

In 2022, Chicago traded Alex DeBrincat to Ottawa in the afternoon before the first round of the draft for three picks, including 7OV.

And I don't think any of these happened with the team on the clock.

2022: Alex DeBrincat for 7OV, 39OV, & ’24 3rd

Alexander Romanov & 98OV for 13OV

Kirby Dach for 13OV & 66OV

Kevin Fiala & rights to Brock Faber for 19OV

2021: Oliver Ekman-Larsson & Conor Garland for Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, 9OV, 47OV, & 203OV

Seth Jones, 31OV, & ’22 6th for Adam Boqvist, 11OV, 43OV, & ’22 1st (top 2 protected)

Rasmus Ristolainen for Robert Hagg, 13OV, & 39OV

2020: Kasperi Kapanen, Pontus Aberg, & Jesper Lindgren for Evan Rodrigues, Filip Hallander, David Warsofsky, & 15OV



What trade are you thinking of?

I would look for a deal like Romanov, a good player, although we have a #9, but we could return a higher pick than #98.

 

[Jim Bob]

I would look for a deal like Romanov, a good player, although we have a #9, but we could return a higher pick than #98.

If they could get a quality top 4 RHD with team control beyond 2025-26, then I would not be mad if they traded 9OV for that kind of guy.

There was a Twitter debate about 9OV for Rasmus Andersson and I was against that idea because I do not think they can give up 9OV for a rental. Obviously, if they were able to talk to Andersson's agent before the trade to gauge openness to extending and it seemed like they could get a deal done, then do it.

 

[Jim Bob]

The Sabres are open to moving the ninth overall pick for the right situation

As we get closer to the 2025 NHL Draft, there's talk that the Buffalo Sabres have discussed the ninth overall pick in trade conversations with a few teams.

www.expectedbuffalo.com

The Right Situation​

If they did move this pick, it would be for a significant player, whether it was straight up or part of a package. There have been three trades in the last 10 years that involved trading a top 10 pick for roster players within a week of the draft.

That happened in 2022 when the Ottawa Senators dealt the seventh overall pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for Alex DeBrincat.

In 2021 when the Vancouver Canucks sent a package, including the ninth overall pick to the Arizona Coyotes for Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland.

Lastly, in 2017, the New York Rangers acquired the seventh overall pick and Anthony DeAngelo from the Arizona Coyotes for Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta on draft day.

 

[THUNDERBURST]

If they could get a quality top 4 RHD with team control beyond 2025-26, then I would not be mad if they traded 9OV for that kind of guy.

There was a Twitter debate about 9OV for Rasmus Andersson and I was against that idea because I do not think they can give up 9OV for a rental. Obviously, if they were able to talk to Andersson's agent before the trade to gauge openness to extending and it seemed like they could get a deal done, then do it.

Well Andersson is not exactly the type of defenseman we need, he will be approaching 30 and will probably be looking for an 8 year deal. I think number #9 should have been involved in the trade and we need to look for options.

Or maybe someone like him.

 

[Jim Bob]

Well Andersson is not exactly the type of defenseman we need, he will be approaching 30 and will probably be looking for an 8 year deal. I think number #9 should have been involved in the trade and we need to look for options.

Or maybe someone like him.
View attachment 1052560

I would be surprised if Mikey Anderson were on the block.

Rasmus Andersson was brought up because he is a RHD that has popped up on a lot of trade boards.

You get maybe 1 or 2 defensively responsible RHD that can play in the top 4 that change teams every offseason. It's why Edmonton had to give up Hall to get Adam Larsson, for instance.

And I am not saying that Rasmus Andersson is the only guy they should go after. It was just a name that came up. I believe that finally getting a quality partner for Owen Power has to be one of the most important things on the Sabres To Do list this offseason. I think there is a chance that Andersson is the best guy for that job that moves this offseason.

 

[THUNDERBURST]

I would be surprised if Mikey Anderson were on the block.

Rasmus Andersson was brought up because he is a RHD that has popped up on a lot of trade boards.

You get maybe 1 or 2 defensively responsible RHD that can play in the top 4 that change teams every offseason. It's why Edmonton had to give up Hall to get Adam Larsson, for instance.

And I am not saying that Rasmus Andersson is the only guy they should go after. It was just a name that came up. I believe that finally getting a quality partner for Owen Power has to be one of the most important things on the Sabres To Do list this offseason. I think there is a chance that Andersson is the best guy for that job that moves this offseason.

Well Andersson is not the defenseman you think of. He is basically like Byram, only right-handed, which makes no sense to us. Paying him probably 8-9 million so that he doesn't see time on the PP and isn't great in defense, what's the point? We might as well pay Gavrikov 8 million and it would be a much better investment than trading for Andersson. We need a partner not only for Power, but also a guy for the first pair, a good player who can eat up those minutes without difficulty.

 

[CowbellConray]

If we were to trade 9th, I'd target McCann from Seattle. They would probably make that sort of trade as part of a quick retool, and I think McCann is the odd man out as they will keep Stephenson and Berniers.

9th for McCann and a 2026 3rd? I'd think Seattle would go for that. 2 years left at 5M, would fit very well in the top 6, and could allow them to use Byram/Peterka to go get a big fish.

McCann in the top 6 would be huge for this team

 

[TheMistyStranger]

If we were to trade 9th, I'd target McCann from Seattle. They would probably make that sort of trade as part of a quick retool, and I think McCann is the odd man out as they will keep Stephenson and Berniers.

9th for McCann and a 2026 3rd? I'd think Seattle would go for that. 2 years left at 5M, would fit very well in the top 6, and could allow them to use Byram/Peterka to go get a big fish.

McCann in the top 6 would be huge for this team

Seattle fans say McCann is the team's only finisher.

 

[ExtraLoveSauce]

Seattle fans say McCann is the team's only finisher.

They can draft their future sniper with 9

 

[CowbellConray]

Seattle fans say McCann is the team's only finisher.

I've been reading that Seattle has a vet logjam and needs to open spots for their younger players. They have Schwartz/Toivanen/Kakko who can be considered finishers. McCann is just really good at it as well.

I actually saw a Seattle fan mock a trade with Tampa:

2026 2nd
Isaac Howard

for

McCann

We could easily beat that offer. They also may consider taking Sammy's contract back to even out money.

Sammy
2025 2nd

McCann

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

I would be surprised if Mikey Anderson were on the block.

Rasmus Andersson was brought up because he is a RHD that has popped up on a lot of trade boards.

You get maybe 1 or 2 defensively responsible RHD that can play in the top 4 that change teams every offseason. It's why Edmonton had to give up Hall to get Adam Larsson, for instance.

And I am not saying that Rasmus Andersson is the only guy they should go after. It was just a name that came up. I believe that finally getting a quality partner for Owen Power has to be one of the most important things on the Sabres To Do list this offseason. I think there is a chance that Andersson is the best guy for that job that moves this offseason.

Well Andersson is not the defenseman you think of. He is basically like Byram, only right-handed, which makes no sense to us. Paying him probably 8-9 million so that he doesn't see time on the PP and isn't great in defense, what's the point? We might as well pay Gavrikov 8 million and it would be a much better investment than trading for Andersson. We need a partner not only for Power, but also a guy for the first pair, a good player who can eat up those minutes without difficulty.

Rasmus Andsersson has been Byram level bad defensively the past two seasons. The contract extension he's projected to get is going to age like milk.

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

Seattle fans say McCann is the team's only finisher.

Which is also not an area of need on this team. Doesn't make sense for either team.

 

[CowbellConray]

We 100% need a finisher in the top 6. McLeod isn't a natural finisher, and Quinn is way too inconsistent to be in the top 6. Zucker isn't a natural finisher, you could even say Benson as well doesnt fit the criteria.

True finishers on the team? Thompson, Norris, Tuch, Kulich, Peterka. We need to add to that list

Which is also not an area of need on this team. Doesn't make sense for either team.

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

We 100% need a finisher in the top 6. McLeod isn't a natural finisher, and Quinn is way too inconsistent to be in the top 6. Zucker isn't a natural finisher, you could even say Benson as well doesnt fit the criteria.

True finishers on the team? Thompson, Norris, Tuch, Kulich, Peterka. We need to add to that list

You just listed five guys already on the roster that fit that need. There's so many glaring needs on this team, some of which we have no one.

 

[CowbellConray]

You just listed five guys already on the roster that fit that need. There's so many glaring needs on this team, some of which we have no one.

A few things:

1) McCann is a better finisher than everyone on that list except Thompson
2) Cost to acquire him is lower than addressing some of the other areas
3) It allows us to explore a Peterka trade to really help close another hole in the lineup
4) He is a better defensive player than everyone on that list except Tuch. So yes, maybe we have some finishers, but Peterka and Kulich are not yet a net positive when measuring against the entire rink

This is an opportunity to add a cost controlled asset for two years who would be the 3rd best forward on this team behind Tuch and Thompson. Prime aged, good two way player, + finisher, no glaring weaknesses.

To not go for that would be missing an opportunity. Go get McCann, use Byram or Peterka to truly address the other holes on the roster. Especially if the cost to acquire McCann could potentially be Sammy + 2025 2nd or Sammy + Rosen.

 

[Zman5778]

We 100% need a finisher in the top 6. McLeod isn't a natural finisher, and Quinn is way too inconsistent to be in the top 6. Zucker isn't a natural finisher, you could even say Benson as well doesnt fit the criteria.

True finishers on the team? Thompson, Norris, Tuch, Kulich, Peterka. We need to add to that list

You just listed FIVE finishers, and they're all slated for the top 6. We don't need all 6 top 6 forwards to be true finishers. We need a playmaker or two mixed in there.

When people talk about a team that's a collection of talent -- you just showed exactly what the issue is. Too many finishers and not enough willing to do the dirty work and set others up.

 

[CowbellConray]

You just listed FIVE finishers, and they're all slated for the top 6. We don't need all 6 top 6 forwards to be true finishers. We need a playmaker or two mixed in there.

When people talk about a team that's a collection of talent -- you just showed exactly what the issue is. Too many finishers and not enough willing to do the dirty work and set others up.

McCann, who just had more assists than every forward on our team except Peterka isn't a playmaker?

McCann is a legit two way top 6 forward who not only can finish, but is a very well rounded passer as well.

 

[Zman5778]

McCann, who just had more assists than every forward on our team except Peterka isn't a playmaker?

McCann is a legit two way top 6 forward who not only can finish, but is a very well rounded passer as well.

It was a career high in assists for him....he usually finishes a year with more goals than assists.

Josh Norris is a faster, less healthy version of McCann.

 

[CowbellConray]

It was a career high in assists for him....he usually finishes a year with more goals than assists.

Josh Norris is a faster, less healthy version of McCann.

And the year prior McCann had 33 assists, which would again put him above every forward on our team other than Peterka

McCann has hit 30 assists or more each of the past 3 seasons. He is plenty fine as a playmaker.

Norris has yet to have a season above 20 assists... these aren't comparable players.

To go even deeper, Norris is primarily a PP producer - Highest ES Assist total in a season is 13. McCann is a strong ES producer, lowest ES assist totals in the past 7 seasons - 14.

McCann is a strong two way talent with BOTH finishing and playmaking ability

 

[Duddy]

We need forwards that are good at playing defense way more than a finisher.