Which Sabres could be traded in the new year?

The new year is just about here, which means trade talks around the NHL will undoubtedly pick up. The Buffalo Sabres are a clear team to pay attention to, especially after their recent 13-game winless streak.

With trade rumors surrounding the Sabres, let's discuss two of their top trade candidates now. 

Dylan Cozens 

Dylan Cozens has been generating a lot of buzz in the rumor mill as of late. The 23-year-old forward has the potential to generate interest from both contenders and non-playoff teams, as he is locked under contract until the end of the 2029-30 season. 

Cozens is having a down 2024-25 season, posting eight goals, 19 points, and a minus-6 rating in 37 games. While his numbers are down, he has been trending in the right direction as of late, recording two goals and six points over his last six contests. 

Bowen Byram 

Like Cozens, Byram has often been discussed in the rumor mill this season. The left-shot defenseman is in the final season of his contract and is set to be a restricted free agent this off-season.

Trading Byram would come with serious risk for the Sabres, though. The left-shot defenseman has blossomed into an important part of their blueline and is having a solid year. In 37 games, he has four goals, 20 points, and a plus-6 rating. However, with the Sabres having fellow left-shot defenders Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, perhaps Byram could be flipped to bring in an impactful forward.