As of this writing the Buffalo Sabres find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, without an incredibly strong run in the second half of the season they will be looking at missing out on playoff hockey once again. The purpose of this series is to view the other teams throughout the NHL and propose some theoretical trade ideas to help improve the team, either now or in the future.
We will be journeying through this series looking at one team at a time to act as a trade partner. This should not be viewed in the same way as a comprehensive GM for a day type of post where we are looking to completely overhaul the team in one fell swoop. Each article will “reset” the Sabres roster, so don’t be surprised to see the same players, prospects, and picks used repeatedly in various trade offers.
Starting alphabetically – with the Anaheim Ducks – please see the following trade proposal below:
To Buffalo: Trevor Zegras
To Anaheim: Peyton Krebs, Henri Jokiharju, 2025 Buffalo 3rd and 4th round picks.
In this trade the Buffalo Sabres give up multiple assets to acquire a player with significant potential. Trevor Zegras was once thought to be a rising star, however consistency and defensive lapses have reduced his value. Zegras has found his name linked to multiple trade rumors in the past, and finally a deal gets done with Buffalo to bring him closer to home out east. Offensive ability, scoring, and play-making is what the Sabres are looking to acquire with this move, but that is dependent on Zegras being able to take the next step in his career development.
Funny enough Peyton Krebs, and Trevor Zegras are the same age (23), and were drafted less than 10picks apart. Zegras went 9th in the 2019 draft, while Krebs was taken by Vegas at pick number 17.
The Ducks could be willing to entertain this offer, as they have other young players identified as their core, and may look at a player like Peyton Krebs for his potential coming back to them. When you add in a right shot defenseman with puck moving capabilities and above average skating, plus the couple of mid-round picks, this deal seems at least plausible.
Cap hits would not be an issue for either team, at least in the short term. With each team at or near the bottom of their respective conferences, a shake-up may be welcomed, if not by the players themselves, at least their fan bases.
Curious on your thoughts to this trade proposal, please leave any comments with your opinions or alternative suggestions, thanks all & Go Sabres!