This Buffalo Sabres top trade target is likely to stay put.
The Buffalo Sabres have made multiple additions to their roster this summer, but they still have not landed their true top-six winger. One player they have been linked to throughout this offseason is Carolina Hurricanes forward Martin Necas. Given their current needs, it is understandable that a player like Necas has been on their radar.
However, given Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky's recent comments, it seems far more likely that Necas will start the season in Carolina.
Here's what Tulsky said on the matter: "It is a lot easier to make trades before July 1 when teams have flexibility to go pivot and sign other players to replace whatever they gave up than it is after July 1 when their roster is mostly built. We are continuing to talk to teams, and we don't want to miss an opportunity to make the team better, but teams have less flexibility now than they had in June, so it's harder to find a deal now than it was then."
Martin NecasTulsky also added: "I think we're comfortable with what we have. Right now, our focus is on getting our last couple of RFAs signed... But I think the most likely outcome right now is that we have our group unless something surprising comes up."
This is not the best news for the Sabres, as Necas would have been an excellent addition to their roster. However, some other notable names, such as Nikolaj Ehlers, Trevor Zegras, and Frank Vatrano, have been generating buzz in the rumor mill.
It will now be interesting to see if the Sabres can land a top-six winger elsewhere before the start of the season. However, it appears that the door is closed, at least for now, with Necas.