No Blockbusters Here, Just Shaping the Roster
The Athletic recently put out their final Trade Deadline Board for deadline day 2025. Some big time players will be made available. Mikko Rantanen, Casey Mittelstadt and Brock Nelson to name a few. There are many mid tier players that can be had too, that is probably the best the Sabres can muster. I know most of us would like another top six forward, I just don’t see it happening. At least not at the deadline, this summer is more of a possibility. Or maybe Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams shocks us all, we shall see.
Looking at that list of players said to be made available, there are roadblocks for Buffalo as always. Cost is always a factor and more so for this team, no trade lists that handcuff management. Literally half of the first 40 on the list probably have the Sabres listed on their contract, nixing any deal. It’s a tough place to be for the Buffalo brass.
When reviewing these players though, there were a few that stood out. Veterans that should help the team now and for several more seasons as well. At a mostly affordable cost too. None would break the bank with assets or salary and none have the no trade roadblock. Are any of these guys going to suddenly put Buffalo over the top? Short answer, nope. But any improvement in areas of need is still roster building done right. The Sabres can search for high end talent elsewhere. Here are three players that Buffalo should consider in low level deals. Each would improve the Sabres right away and for the immediate future.
Mathieu Olivier, RW, Blue Jackets
One of the toughest son of a bitches in the league right here. A true fighter when needed, a player other teams fear. A real Policeman out there to look after the youngest team in the league. Olivier is a solid 4th liner who would take over Sam Lafferty’s spot. He is not without some skill either, having scored 11 goals and 19 points this year. (his offense is career best this season, mind you) He is void of any no trade lists that I can find and currently makes a minimal 1.1 million a year. The U.S. born RW is 6’1″ and 225 pounds. Here is the one hangup though. At 28 years old, he is an unrestricted free agent after this year. To keep him, I imagine the Sabres will have to more than double his salary, 2.5 million a season over 5 years. A good pay day for a 4th line player of importance to the Sabres. And one Buffalo should be willing to fork over for a team notoriously short on toughness. This would also provide Olivier financial security with the 5 year deal and incentive to stay. Players on the move and the increased salary cap should more than cover the price for Olivier. I can’t imagine the cost for this 4th liner goes much beyond a 2nd round draft pick equivalent.
Mario Ferraro, LD, Sharks
The veteran defender has played his entire six year career so far with San Jose. On some pretty bad teams unfortunately. But he is a sound puck mover, is very competitive and uses his body to defend. He is second on the Sharks right now in hits. He has decent size at 6 foot even, 210 pounds and is just 26 years old. His offense won’t wow you, he had a career high 21 points last season. But his game is more about defending and transition. Now some will be concerned with Buffalo bringing in yet another left shot on defense. Not to worry, because we would be using Mattias Samuelsson in this deal. A lefty for a lefty, plus a draft pick sweetener if needed. San Jose and Mike Grier are still collecting draft picks as they rebuild. Many of us are ready to move on from Sammy and I feel Ferraro would be a great veteran replacement. He earns a reasonable 3.25 million dollar cap hit per season and is signed for one more year. That is a million saved from Samuelsson’s yearly salary next season. Sure, he will probably cost more than Sammy does now if he resigns with Buffalo in 2026-27. But if he is performing better with a higher salary cap then, who cares. Ferraro does not have a no trade or no movement clause.
Rasmus Ristolainen, RD, Flyers
No, I’m not kidding. I understand the reservations some might have. Risto’s 5.1 cap hit for starters. His uneven defensive play in his time with Buffalo is another. His offensive game has also declined a lot in Philly since we traded him away back in 2021. Looking beyond all that, there are some benefits to a Rasmus Ristolainen second stint with the Sabres. First and foremost, he is a right shot defender. Secondly, he still plays a physical game, something needed around here. He is in the top three on Philadelphia’s team in hitting and continues to play a rugged style. He is signed for two more seasons after this one and has no trade protection that I can see. Rasmus has also taken steps in the last two seasons to really improve his defensive game. I certainly wouldn’t label him a shut down defender by any stretch. But his play in his own zone is much better than his Buffalo days. He is a plus player for the first time in his career this year. (you have to remember he has played on some BAD teams) He has 19 points this season in 57 games and is a +5.
Back to that contract. 5.1 million for the next two years after this is pretty steep for a probable bottom pair defender. Either Buffalo offers Philly minimal value in a trade to take his full contract or we pay up a bit for the Flyers to retain some salary. I am thinking at least 1/4th retained for his 2 years left. Either way, the Sabres should get some savings out of it. (salary or assets) I understand if some of you are not with me on this one. He does solve 2 problem areas right away though, playing the right side and needing more physicality on D
So there you have it. Three low levels deals that should improve the Sabres right away, some more than others. In my opinion anyways. Like many of you, I feel something big has to happen in the top six forward ranks. This team needs a good shakeup. If it does though, it is more apt to happen this summer. Meanwhile, there are options to improve the Buffalo Sabres out there on a smaller scale. I hope they go after them. One BIG trade is not going to solve it all. It will probably take several moves, a good free agent signing AND improvement from within for real success next season and beyond.