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.
There have been many recent comparisons drawn between the “Yzerplan” and GMKA’s vision to pull their respective teams back into playoff contention. Fans in Detroit are getting impatient with Steve Yzerman’s plan to turn the Red Wings rebuild into a team capable of making and competing in the playoffs. Both GMs have taken a longer term approach towards development and rebuild, and each with minimal success to show at this point in time. The Red Wings sit directly behind the Sabres went looking at their playoff drought timeframe, which is currently sitting at 8 seasons. Buffalo fans are getting impatient as well, but having seen the success of the Bills in regards to turning things around may have some thin semblance of understanding. Detroit on the other hand has much more recent memories of their team competing in the playoffs year after year, and will only tolerate so much more disappointment… could it be a race to see which GM gets fired first?
As things sit right now, Detroit is only 2 points out of a playoff spot in the east. It is very possible that Yzerman wants to make a trade to push their team over the top of the other bubble teams competing for a wild card spot in the east, and maybe the Sabres are the team they make a deal with to try and make that happen. What does each team have that the other may be interested in?
To Buffalo: Jonatan Berggren and Axel Sandin-Pellikka
To Detroit: Jason Zucker (cap hit half retained), Ryan Johnson, and a 2025 2nd round draft pick.
With this trade the Sabres maximize the value that Jason Zucker has gained as a legitimate top 6 forward on an under performing team. Zucker brings fire and passion to every game, and has veteran playoff experience that would help the Red Wings make their final playoff push. His type of play often looks and feels like playoff hockey and guy who cares. While this type of player is coveted in Buffalo, given the Sabres seem unlikely to make a playoff push this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the standings, they can take advantage of Zucker’s value to acquire assets in return. Additionally, the Sabres will retain half of Zucker’s cap hit to even further increase his value and give the Red Wings more cap space to work with as the trade deadline approaches.
In addition to Jason Zucker, the Sabres will be sending to Detroit Ryan Johnson and a 2nd round (very early) pick. Aside from Moritz Seider the Red Wings really don’t have any long term defensemen commitments, with the argument to be made that Simon Edvinsson will be a staple on their blue-line for a long time. It certainly seems like Ryan Johnson has a much clearer path to regular NHL duties on the Red Wings. The 2nd round pick will be very early in the round given the Sabres current position in the standings, and could help the Red Wings at the deadline, or draft a player with realistic NHL potential.
This trade does show the Sabres building again for the future, but not too far in the distance. Berggren is a full time NHLer, however his ice-time reflects that he is currently playing limited minutes, at around 13min per night. He is also an RFA and has strong underlying numbers. While not the biggest player, Berggren with speed and relentless in puck pursuit, it is surprising to see the limited opportunities he has had in Detroit this season. Berggren is just 24, and about to enter into his prime years at a very affordable cap hit depending on how contract negotiations go. This would give Buffalo extra flexibility to add or commit to other players like JJP longer term.
The other major trade piece coming to Buffalo is the 2023 1st round pick, drafted 17th overall, Axel Sandin-Pellikka. This RHD is the type of prospect missing from the Buffalo prospect system. He shows a lot of offensive potential, and likes to join and make plays off the rush. He was the captain of Sweden’s under 20 team in the most recent world juniors and had an exceptional showing. Currently playing in the SHL, he is very likely ready to make the jump to North America. A strong training camp in the off-season could cement his status as a full-time NHLer, or determine if he needs to play in the AHL for a spell to get acclimated to the North American game. He is the type of player I envision as a potential partner for Dahlin if his development continues trending upwards, not a role I would trust him into day one of course, but this helps strengthen the Sabres right side with young potential that is nearly NHL ready.
As mentioned in my previous article, I am considered doing a Sabres/Hockey related podcast, if interested please let me know in the comments.
Thanks everyone for reading, looking forward to hearing your thoughts! I will note that I looked at Michael Rasmussen as trade target, but wasn’t exactly impressed with his overall skating ability and underlying numbers. There have been rumors of Cozens almost being traded to the Red Wings, and Rasmussen possibly being a player coming back, and that was something I was trying to avoid.
Thanks again – Go Sabres!