The Sabres have many trade candidates, but which three are the most likely to be moved by the deadline?

The Buffalo Sabres are a team to watch very closely at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. Given their placement in the standings, there is an expectation that they will be selling off some of their players. Because of this, we have seen a number of Sabres players come up in the rumor mill.

However, which Sabres are most likely to be dealt? Let's discuss them now. 

Erik Johnson 

There may not be a more popular trade target on the Sabres than Erik Johnson. The veteran defenseman is a pending UFA with plenty of playoff experience who should grab the attention of contenders over the next week.

Johnson's market should be heating up now, too. This is because two notable right-shot defensemen, Chris Tanev (Dallas Stars) and Ilya Lyubushkin (Toronto Maple Leafs), have found their new homes. Due to this, Johnson is now one of the most recognizable right-shot defensemen still available.

Teams to watch when it comes to Johnson include the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, Boston Bruins, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Victor Olofsson 

Victor Olofsson stands a pretty good shot of being moved by March 8. It is not a secret that the team has been looking to move him, and he certainly would welcome a change of scenery. His placement on the Sabres' depth chart has dropped, and he played in just five games over the last two months. 

While Olofsson has had a tough season in 2023-24, it is possible that he could generate interest. He is a three-time 20-goal scorer and has hit at least 40 points in three seasons. With that, he had 28 goals and 40 points just last season. 

Once we see the bigger-name wingers get moved, Olofsson's market should heat up. The Avalanche are one club that has been linked to him, but other teams like the Bruins and New York Islanders could consider taking a flier on him.

Zemgus Girgensons

Zemgus Girgensons is far from being a flashy player, but a playoff team could see value in him. This is because he is a hard-nosed veteran forward who has the potential to be impactful once the games get tougher during the playoffs.

Girgensons, 30, has appeared in 42 games this season for the Sabres, where he has six goals. While he has not been making a big difference offensively, he has been quite physical, posting 83 hits thus far. 

Overall, Girgensons could work nicely as a rental for teams looking for a bit more forward depth. 

Other Sabres who could find new homes this week include Kyle Okposo, Jordan Greenway, Eric Robinson, and Peyton Krebs.

Recent Sabres News 

Sabres Have Clear Trade Target from Capitals

Will The Sabres Serve As Deal Brokers Before The Deadline?

Former Sabre Lyubushkin Traded To Arch-Rival Maple Leafs

Granato Fined $25,000 By The NHL For Unprofessional Conduct

Around the NHL 

Bruins & Wild Emerging as Potential Trade Partners

Lightning Viewed as Possible Landing Spot for Predators Forward