Sabres GM Says Team Is Open For Business
According to Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams, the team is open for business. After a discouraging start to the season, the Buffalo Sabres currently sit in last place in the NHL. As the season has progressed, trade rumors have circulated but rumors was all they were. Jack Eichel was among the names of players that hockey fans felt would be on the block. However, according to the General Manager Eichel has not requested a trade out of Buffalo up to this point.
One name that has been thrown around with slightly more weight is that of Sam Reinhart. Reinhart has been a bright light thus far in the Sabres dark season with nine goals and 17 points in 21 games. Reinhart will be a restricted free agent after the 2021 season. If the Sabres were to trade a player of Reinhart’s caliber, the expected return is that of a first round draft pick. Where he would go is unknown but the most likely landing spot would be that of a cup contender. This could however effect the return because the 31st pick in the first round is much less valuable than a higher first round pick.
Does This Mean Another Rebuild?
Kevyn Adams statements regarding the team’s willingness to consider trades sounds similar to that of a team looking to rebuild. This should not be the case for the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres are equip with plenty of young talent, including their three most recent first round draft picks Dylan Cozens, Ryan Johnson, and Jack Quinn. In addition to these young developing players, the Sabres current roster has plenty of established talent. The current problem is that due to a lack of overall production and poor team culture, the current team is all to familiar with underperforming.
Aside from rebuilding the teams on ice line up, the Sabres may be in the market to make off ice changes as well. It is well documented that current Head Coach Ralph Kruger has struggled in Buffalo. There has been contradicting speculation from many parties debating whether he will finish the season with the Sabres or not. If the Sabres were to part way with Kruger sooner rather than later, there are several well known NHL coaches currently in the market for a job. This debate comes at a period of time where several other franchises are making changes to their front office, most recently the Calgary Flames.
Buffalo Sabres Current Status
Aside from trade speculations and potential coaching changes, the Sabres have more than enough on their current plate. The team is currently on a seven game losing streak. In those seven games, the Sabres have been outscored 11 to 28. Their most recent game was a 5-2 loss in their third consecutive game against the New York Islanders. The Islanders currently lead the season series with the Sabres 6-0.
The teams next game is against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, March 9. The current season series between the Sabres and Flyers is 3-1 Philadelphia.
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