The Buffalo Sabres are riding a high they haven’t had in years. Entering Monday’s action, the Sabres are on a six-game winning streak and looking to leave the Atlantic Division cellar for good.
The bump following the change in the GM seat has given the club a renewed sense of confidence. But just because the Sabres are doing well now doesn’t mean the team will stand by idly.
According to insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, the Sabres could be looking to add this season. Pagnotta pinpointed the area where the Sabres would like to improve. He stated:
“My understanding is Buffalo wants to get a lot deeper up front; is it a possibility where you’re moving a Bowen Byram or an Owen Power and bringing in a top-six guy up front? I think it is.”
The comments, as stated on the Sekeres and Price show on December 18, signal that the Sabres could be looking to make a serious challenge for a playoff spot this season.
The move, however, may come at the expense of a young blueliner. With Rasmus Dahlin and Matias Samuelsson in the mix, one of Power or Byram could become expendable. Given the drama the Sabres and Byram went through over the summer, Byram may be the first piece offered in a significant trade.
Byram Was Part of Package for Hughes
Part of the Quinn Hughes trade fallout was the revelation that Bowen Byram was part of the price the Sabres were willing to pay. The move didn’t work out, of course. Nevertheless, the situation illustrates that the Sabres aren’t afraid of parting with a player like Byram.
If the Sabres remain willing to move Byram, they could find a solid forward. That forward, naturally, depends on who they’re targeting. The usual suspects this season include Vancouver Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood and Calgary Flames center Blake Coleman.
Coleman, in particular, could be an interesting option. Aside from being a veteran center the Sabres could use, the Flames could find a suitable replacement for Rasmus Andersson in Bowen Byram.
It’s worth noting that none of the aforementioned forwards have been linked to the Sabres. It might just be a matter of time before new GM Jarmo Kekalainen kicks up rumors about potential targets heading to Buffalo.
Sabres Could Be Keeping Tabs on Teams Falling out of Contention
Clubs like the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Seattle Kraken, and, to some extent, the Toronto Maple Leafs, could be willing to sell off some pieces at this point in the season.
That could open up an opportunity for the Sabres to cash in on useful, reliable forwards. Ideally, Buffalo could target a forward with some term left on their contract. But a rental could also be an option.
That’s why someone like Sherwood may not seem as attractive as, say, St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn. The rationale is that, if the Sabres give up someone like Power or Byram, it could be for someone with some term left on their deals.
That’s why keeping an eye on teams like the Penguins could be an interesting option. Teams like the Pens have veteran forwards to offer. As such, a deal could be forthcoming if the Sabres can find the right match.
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