The Sabres should be keeping an eye on these two Ducks extra closely on the trade market.
The Sabres should be keeping an eye on these two Ducks extra closely on the trade market.
The Buffalo Sabres return to the ice this afternoon when they face off against the Anaheim Ducks. The Sabres will be looking to build off their hard-fought 3-2 overtime win over the Minnesota Wild and secure another two points.
Coincidentally, the Ducks are coming to town right as the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is almost here. As a result, the Sabres will have a good chance to check out some of their players. Yet, when looking at Anaheim's current roster, there are two clear players whom the Sabres should be targeting. Let's discuss them now.
Frank Vatrano
While the Sabres have a strong prospect pool of forwards, they should not be against adding to their current group. As a result, one player from the Ducks who they should be keeping an eye on is Frank Vatrano. He is a skilled top-six winger who is not only a clutch goal scorer but also plays a heavy game. Adding a forward with skill, grit, and experience is something Buffalo could use right now.
Vatrano, 29, is having a career-best season, too. In 54 games, he has 24 goals, a career-high 42 points, 58 blocks, and 109 hits. Due to his excellent all-around contributions, he was rightfully named to his first career All-Star Game.
Adding Vatrano would provide the Sabres' top six and power play with a big boost. With that, he would not be just a rental, as he is under contract until the end of 2024-25.
John Gibson
The Fourth Period recently reported that the Sabres are one of the teams currently connected to Gibson. This is not the first time where they have been linked to the veteran netminder, and it makes sense, given their current situation between the pipes. While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been excellent as of late, Devon Levi may need some time in the AHL. Eric Comrie has also struggled while with the NHL squad and likely won't be back next season.
While the future is bright with UPL and Levi, it appears that the Sabres are at least considering the prospect of adding a veteran who is a proven and legitimate starter, with Gibson being on their radar.
Gibson, 30, sports an 11-19-1 record and .899 SV% in 35 games. While his SV% is not the best this season, he is also playing for a rebuilding Ducks team.
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