The Blue Jackets have a surplus of right-shot defensemen, and the Sabres need to take advantage of that.
The Blue Jackets have a surplus of right-shot defensemen, and the Sabres need to take advantage of that.
While the Buffalo Sabres are likely to trade some of their pending UFAs at the deadline, they also should be open to bringing in players who can help them past this season. One of their biggest needs is to add a right-shot defenseman, and the Columbus Blue Jackets have a surplus of them.
Because the Blue Jackets are having a tough season, several of their players, like Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic, Elvis Merzlikins, and Alexandre Texier, have been in the rumor mill. However, the Sabres have two specific players from the Blue Jackets whom they should be targeting. Let's discuss them now.
Adam Boqvist
Adam Boqvist, 23, is a former top prospect who has shown progress at the NHL level. However, injury trouble has slowed down his development just a little, and the Blue Jackets' plethora of defensemen has not helped him in that regard.
Boqvist is a solid offensive defenseman who may still possess top-four upside in the right situation. It's just a change of scenery is needed at this point. In 20 games this season, he has seven assists. While this production from the point is a bit underwhelming from him, he also had five goals and 24 points in 46 games just last season.
At 23 years old, Boqvist still has time to improve his all-around game, and that should entice the Sabres. He would be more than a rental, too, as he has a $2.6 million cap hit until the end of next season and has an RFA expiry status. Thus, he would remain under team control once his current deal ends.
Andrew Peeke
Andrew Peeke is another defenseman whom the Sabres should look at. He is an entirely different player than Boqvist. While Boqvist is more of an offensive defenseman, Peeke is a shutdown defenseman who plays a very heavy game. That would certainly not be a bad thing for the Sabres to add to their blue line.
Peeke has been impacted significantly by the Blue Jackets' crowded defensive group. He has played in just 20 games this season, where he has six assists to go along with a minus-4 rating. With that, he has 35 hits and 40 blocks.
Peeke would be an interesting option for the Sabres. At worst, he would be a serviceable bottom-pairing defenseman for Buffalo, but if he takes a step forward with his play, he could compete for second-pairing minutes if acquired. Like Boqvist, he would also be more than a rental, as he has a $2.75 million cap hit until the end of the 2025-26 season.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBYvhpN8DTc[/embed]
Sabres Recent News
Former Sabres Star Having Bounce-Back Season With Predators
Sabres Forward Named Potential Trade Target for Islanders
Sabres Forward Named Team's 'Top Bargaining Chip' for 2024 NHL Trade Deadline
Sabres Should Make Major Push for Canadiens Defenseman
Around the NHL
Oilers Defenseman Named Trade Target By Insider
3 Avalanche stars make TSN's top 25 NHL players list