Three Sabres Who May Have Played Themselves Out of Town
The Buffalo Sabres' recent dominant performance on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning has silenced any lingering doubts about their legitimacy as a team. This success has positioned them as buyers at the NHL trade deadline for the first time in nearly 15 years, marking a significant shift from their previous focus on making the playoffs. The Sabres' strategic moves at the deadline will depend on their assessment of their current roster and the potential for improvement.
The Sabres possess a diverse range of assets, some of which may already be part of their lineup. This approach is not solely based on players who have underperformed; rather, it involves identifying the most expendable players who can enhance the current roster. Here's a closer look at three Sabres who may be on the trading block:
Jack Quinn
Jack Quinn, at 24 years old, has the potential to be a game-changer. Despite showing the skill to score 30 goals in the NHL, he has yet to reach his full potential. With 38 points in 60 games, Quinn is on track to surpass his career-high 39 points from last season. However, the question remains: will he ever become the top-six scorer that many envisioned when he was drafted 8th overall in 2020? Quinn's inconsistency has been a concern, and his recent recovery from an Achilles injury has kept him relatively healthy.
Quinn's value lies in his potential to be a game-changer for a team seeking a boost in their middle-six. His skill set and promising trajectory make him an attractive trade chip, even if he hasn't lived up to the Sabres' initial expectations.
Jordan Greenway
Jordan Greenway's situation is somewhat different from Quinn's. While Greenway wasn't expected to be a top-six scorer, he brings valuable attributes such as size, speed, and tenacity to the table. However, Greenway's injury history, which mirrors Quinn's, has limited his playing time. He has only suited up in 67 games over the past two seasons due to hernia surgery in 2024.
Greenway's role as a valuable bottom-six player with decent offensive potential makes him a trade candidate. Teams seeking depth and skill might be willing to acquire him, even if he isn't immediately ready to take a prominent role in the lineup.
Jacob Bryson
Jacob Bryson's situation is more complex. His contract, with four years remaining at $7.950 million per season, makes him a challenging player to trade. Despite this, Bryson has been a disappointment for the Sabres, particularly as a No.6/7 defenseman. His limited ice time of 10:02 per game and lack of trust from head coach Lindy Ruff indicate that he may be on the move.
Bryson's limited role and lack of trade value, likely due to his contract, suggest that the Sabres may consider sending him down if they acquire more defensive depth. His time in Buffalo may be limited, and the team's focus on improving the roster could lead to his departure.
Relatively Few Disappointments
Despite the potential trades, the Sabres have largely received strong performances from their entire roster this season. Success stories like Mattias Samuelsson showcase the team's overall strength. Considering the injuries the Sabres have endured, their consistent performance highlights the depth and talent within the organization.
The Sabres' approach to the trade deadline will be strategic, aiming to improve the roster without compromising their current success. While Quinn is the most likely candidate to be traded, Greenway and Bryson's uncertain futures in Buffalo suggest that the team may be open to exploring various options to enhance their lineup.
