Smith, Eller are entering the final year of their contracts with Pittsburgh
The Buffalo Sabres continue to be on the lookout for veteran forwards who can provide depth and experience to their lineup and according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the club inquired into the availability of a pair of Pittsburgh Penguins forwards; winger Reilly Smith, and center Lars Eller.
On Friday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman indicated that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams checked on both players at some point, but does not think that the Penguins are amenable to deal either player at this time. Smith was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in a draft day trade one year ago for a 2024 third-round pick, while Eller was signed by Pittsburgh to a free-agent contract last July.
Both players have Stanley Cup victories to their credit; Smith with Vegas in 2023 and Eller with Washington in 2018, but besides their qualities and championship pedigree, the short-term remaining on their contracts is something that is attractive to the Sabres.
Smith makes $5 million in the final year of his contract and Eller at $2.5 million in the final year of his deal, but taking on players with term continues to be something that the Sabres do not want to do. Other veteran forwards with one year left on their contracts are beginning to move, as Andrew Mangiapane was dealt to Washington for a 2025 second-round pick. It is possible with the Sabres acquiring an additional second-round pick in the trade down from #11 on Thursday that they are well-positioned to make a move this weekend at the draft in Las Vegas.
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