Keeping this paragraph as a starting point if this is your first time reading this series: We will be continuing our journey through this series looking at one team at a time to act as a trade partner. Please keep in mind 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.
In this article we’ll be focusing on an original six team that is just starting their rebuild, and one of the few teams with less points than the Sabres at the time of this writing. The Chicago Blackhawks were expected to take a small step forward this year as they were fortunate enough to win the draft lottery in 2023 and selected a franchise cornerstone center in Connor Bedard. After Bedard’s strong showing in his rookie season, winning the Calder trophy, the Blackhawks looked to add some new names and talent their roster this year. Things haven’t panned out as planned, and they currently find themselves as the bottom team in the entire League.
Limited options to consider from this team with a significant wow factor, and based on past play we will most certainly be avoiding Taylor Hall in any capacity. Getting on with the trade, I think we can still have some interesting things happen.
To Buffalo: Nick Foligno, Lukas Reichel, and Oliver Moore
To Chicago: Jason Zucker, Aleksandr Kisakov, Nicolas Aube-Kubel and a 4th round pick
This trade isn’t exactly what you would consider a blockbuster, but there is some substance to this one and more than just a minor deal. A couple factors I want to emphasize and highlight in this deal is contingent on Jason Zucker not agreeing to re-sign in Buffalo and would be open to contract negotiations for signing an extension with Chicago. This isn’t because Zucker is not willing to re-sign in Buffalo, as he recently stated publicly, but rather that terms (years, AAV, or both) could not be agreed upon between GMKA and Zucker/his agent.
With Buffalo choosing to not move forward with Zucker as a long term player with the team, it made sense to use the value he has built up over the year to maximize assets returning from a trade.
From Chicago’s perspective they are getting the *current* best player in the deal in Jason Zucker. Additionally, they would have some negotiation leverage based on injury history and past performance fluctuations in Zucker’s production. I personally am a huge fan of the way Zucker plays the game, and would like to see him stick with Buffalo for a couple more years while other players develop, but given the concept of him not re-signing with Sabres, the Blackhawks are able to get a quality player to help provide a veteran presence to their young core. Zucker still has some fire in his belly while playing, especially around the net, and that type of passion could help to rub off on the play of Connor Bedard.
Given Chicago is in full rebuild mode, the extra pick – even if it a mid-round one, is welcomed. The same applies to the welcome of a player like Aube-Kubel, who fills a roster spot and bring speed and grit without tying any long term commitment strings. Aleksandr Kisakov is an interesting prospect drafted in the 2nd round back in 2021. Kisakov is getting acclimated to the North American hockey game in the AHL, and has shown flashes of offensive talent making him an intriguing pickup and helps to offset some of the loss of trading away Oliver Moore.
For Buffalo, they are able to pry away the current captain of the Blackhawks, and bring Nick Foligno home to Buffalo to play out his remaining NHL years. This is more than just a token gesture, Foligno (much like Zucker) brings a strong veteran presence, and obvious leadership attributes that seem to be sorely lacking in the Sabres locker room. He can still pot double digit goals, and big some physicality when needed.
Lukas Reichel is a player that has fallen out of favor in Chicago, but is still young with noticeable offensive talent when given the opportunity to show it. Confidence is something that may help to turn his career around, and that is what the Sabres are looking to instill in acquiring this player. A factor for consideration is that he comes from Germany and has past experience playing with JJ Peterka.
Possibly the biggest prize for Buffalo in this trade is the acquisition of Oliver Moore. He was taken 6 picks later in the same draft that the Sabres selected Zach Benson. At the time, there were a number of analysts and mock drafts suggesting that his name would be called when the Sabres took to the podium. Moore is currently playing in the NCAA at almost a PPG pace, and wore an “A” for team USA in the most recent U20 tournament. What helps Moore stand out is his skating ability, it was heavily talked about that in his draft year he was arguably the most dynamic skater, and the Sabres at least look like they need an injector of speed.
Looking forward to hearing what everyone thinks about this deal. I will note that I was considering Peyton Krebs + Zucker coming from the Buffalo side, with Foligno locking into the 3C role. I decided against that, giving some extra center depth to the team, and not wanting to skew the trade too much in either direction. Hope everyone enjoys this article, and continues to have some fun reading these as this series continues. I appreciate everyone’s interaction, what deal would you make here?
As always thank you, and Go Sabres!