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 most articles by various hockey analysts to your casual bloggers the Montreal Canadiens were often picked to be the last place team in the Atlantic this season. While that isn’t currently the case, it isn’t too far off. The Canadiens sit 6 points above the Sabres (before the Saturday games have been played), however have also played two more games than Buffalo. Even still, I do believe that most data shows the Sabres to be the better team, and UPL’s underwhelming goaltending thus far this season hasn’t done the team any favors. Right now the Sabres are a negative -14 goal differential on the season, while the Canadiens are second worse in the conference (only Pittsburgh is worse) at -31. If some more of those one goal games had gone Buffalo’s way, wishful thinking of course, the standings would reflect differently.
Both of these teams are young, some long term contracts in place betting on the potential of young and hopeful future stars. Additionally, Buffalo is often regarded as having an above average prospect pool, the Canadiens are often regarded as a top 5 team when it comes to talent in their pipeline.
To Buffalo: Juraj Slafkovsky and Arber Xhekaj
To Montreal: Owen Power and a 2025 2nd round pick
A massive swap of two former 1st overall draft picks, and its possible both teams would be agreeable to this deal. Slafkovsky was taken at number 1 in the 2022 draft, while Power was taken number 1 in the 2021 draft. What is interesting is that there is a strong case to be made that the Canadiens 4th draft pick (and the end of the second round), could be valued as their best player from that draft class. Late in the second round, pick number 62 to be exact, the Canadiens drafted Lane Hutson. Right now there is a compelling debate that includes Hutson to be one of the front-runners for the Calder trophy this year.
Montreal may be interested in making this trade given a good portion of their defensive core is aging, and aside from Lane Hutson there is limited young offensive talent. On the flip side, while Slafkovsky is a big part of their young forward core, they do have other talented forwards locked up long term at seemingly reasonable or team friendly contracts. From players like Suzuki, to Caufield, and even Laine there is some offensive punch on this team even without the inclusion of Slafkovsky.
Owen Power and Lane Hutson could form a dynamic 1A/1B combination with slick offensive skills from the backend that this team could build around. Power does bring size to the Canadiens back-end, and even though his physicality and use of that size is limited at best, he is still quite young with tons of potential to round out that portion of his game. Additionally, he is consistently referenced as a solid even-strength players and is amongst the leaders from the backend when it comes to putting up points while 5 on 5.
The 2nd round pick, which as we’ve seen the Canadiens have had recent success drafting in that round, would be of some decent value. That draft pick will likely be at the top end of the 2nd round given where the Sabres currently sit, barring an unpredictable run/winning streak to substantially bolster their position in the standings.
Looking at it from a Buffalo perspective, by making this trade the Sabres will have shown their commitment to moving forward with Dahlin and Byram as their top 2 defensemen.
In my opinion Owen Power gets more criticism than he deserves based on the merit of his play. When you factor in his draft position, plus size, plus long term contract other variables often come into focus when discussing the often polarizing views of this player. I believe that Owen Power will become a legitimate top pairing defensemen and have a long and successful NHL career, but this trade would make that future happen with another team.
Juraj Slafkovsky was taken at the top of his draft class the year after Power. Neither draft had a clear-cut franchise altering player, but still young players playing at level rated above all of their peers during a full year is no small accomplishment. Slafkovsky was also signed to a long term extension, similar to Power’s, but at slightly lower AAV of 7.6million. His NHL career initially had a few more ups and downs in comparison to Power, but his potential and style of play is something that is certainly desired on the Sabres team.
I was fortunate enough to go to the Sabres vs Canadiens prospects game the year that Slafkovsky was drafted at the harbor center. I can say that it was very apparent he was the best player on the ice for either team during that game. He was noticeable on many shifts, and this was back when the Sabres had a top 5 rated prospect system. This is a 6’3 238lb power forward that could immediately slot into the top six forward group, I would love to see him pick up some defensive play pointers from Alex Tuch.
Not to be forgotten, the Sabres would also be acquiring Arber Xhekaj in this deal. For those of you that like Dennis Gilbert, I can imagine you would love the play style of Xhekaj. He plays with fire, and sometimes on the edge when it comes to physicality. He has gone toe to toe with Matt Rempe, and stands up for his teammates on a regular basis. He isn’t like Matt Rempe in the fact that he does actually play decent hockey and is able to help in transition and make skillful plays when the opportunity is available to him. It was rumored multiple teams that there was a rift between Xhekaj and the management of the Canadiens organization, would like for the Sabres to take that as an opening to target this type of player to add to their defensive depth.
~Quick Update~ The Sabres won against the Ranger 8-2!! They now have -8 differential, which is better than the Red Wings who currently hold a wildcard playoff spot… when it rains it pours for this team.
Hopefully you enjoyed this article, curious to hear everyone’s thoughts on this trade proposal.
As always, thank you for reading & Go Sabres!