The Sabres are facing the Canadiens today, and they have some interesting trade targets from their division rival.
The Sabres are facing the Canadiens today, and they have some interesting trade targets from their division rival.
The Buffalo Sabres are back on the ice tonight (Feb. 21), as they are going up against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. The Sabres will be looking to bounce back after a frustrating 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
While getting two points is the Sabres' goal for the night, this contest also provides the club with a nice opportunity to check out some of the Canadiens players. Due to this, let's discuss two Canadiens who could be solid additions for Buffalo.
Jake Allen
The Sabres are in an interesting position when it comes to their goaltending. While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is having a breakout season, Devon Levi has struggled in the NHL and may need more time to develop his game in the AHL. Meanwhile, Eric Comrie has also run into trouble and has an expiring contract. Because of this, goaltender Jake Allen stands out as an intriguing potential trade target for the Sabres.
Allen, 33, was briefly connected to the Sabres earlier this season, as insider Bruce Garrioch said that Buffalo "may have sniffed around Allen." He could be a decent short-term addition for the Sabres, as he would give them a veteran netminder who would be a good mentor for youngsters UPL and Levi.
Allen has struggled this season a bit, as he has a .894 SV% in 19 appearances. However, when looking at how well he has played throughout his career, it is fair to believe that he could turn around if given a fresh start. He also has not been a fan of the three-man goalie rotation in Montreal, and the lack of consistent starts could also be negatively impacting his play.
Allen is under contract until the end of next season, so he would be more than a rental if acquired.
David Savard
While the Canadiens are not actively looking to trade David Savard, the expectation is that they will hear offers for the veteran defenseman. As NHL Pierre LeBrun recently said on TSN Insider Trading, "If someone really sends them an offer that makes them really think, then yeah, he could be dealt. But, at the moment, he’s not a player that the Habs bring up on their own to other teams."
The Sabres would be wise to kick tires on Savard, as he is exactly the kind of defenseman they could use right now. They need a right-shot defenseman to play with rising star Owen Power on the second pairing, and he would be a great fit there. This is because he is not only a strong shutdown defenseman, but he also would be a great mentor for the club's younger players.
With the Habs not looking to move Savard, the Sabres would need to come up with a big offer to land him. Yet, when noting that the fit looks strong on paper, it may be an avenue worth exploring for Buffalo. This is especially so when noting that he is under contract until the end of next season, making him more than just a rental.
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