The NHL's free-agent frenzy is nearing its end. And the Buffalo Sabres still don't look like a team that's a finished product. But with free-agent options dwindling for Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, the only way to change things up will be via trades. And in this ongoing THN.com series, we're breaking down potential trade parnters for Buffalo.
In earlier files, we've examined teams including the Los Angeles Kings, the Utah Mammoth, the Vancouver Canucks, and the Colorado Avalanche. And in today's file, we're focused on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Let's get right down to business:
TEAM: Toronto Maple Leafs
CAP SPACE: $4.98 million
FREE AGENTS: Nick Robertson, LW (RFA); Dennis Hildeby, G (RFA); Alexander Nylander, RW; Jani Hakanpaa, D; Max Pacioretty, LW
NEEDS: Wing depth; change in overall chemistry; defensive accumen
SABRES FIT? Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams doesn't have to look far down the highway to see a potential fit for a trade: it's the Maple Leafs, who have every motivation to change up their lineup. And with free-agency options not looking especially tantalizing for the Leafs or Sabres, it's entirely possible that Adams and Leafs counterpart Brad Treliving find a match.
The first option could be a trade for restricted free agent left winger Nick Robertson. The 23-year-old had 15 goals and 22 points in 69 games last season, and Robertson was a healthy scratch for most of the playoffs. That said, a change of pace by bec=o on the Sabres top-six group of forwardsm and he'd do it for the same approximate amount as what he earned last season.
What would Toronto want in return? Well probably a secotnd-round draft pick would get Treliving's attention. But from Toronto's perspective, these kinds of trades are more about dumping salary and less about the Leafs getting a significant return. It's the money that will be freed-up in order for Toronto to make bigger deals down the road that's the attraction point in a proposed deal like this one.
If Sabres Part Ways With Blueliner Byram, These Three Veteran Defenseman Should Be Options To Replace Him
The Buffalo Sabres could be approaching a crossroads when it comes to the future of star defenseman Bowen Byram. We've argued on THN.com <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/article/signing-evolving-young-star-defenseman-211819965.html">that the Sabres should hang onto Byram</a>, but for argument's sake, let's say Buffalo and Byram part ways. If that happens, there are numerous veterans <a href="http://thn.com/buffalo">the Sabres</a> could bring in to shore up their defense corps.
One type of Sabres/Maple Leafs trade could involve veteran winger Calle Jarnkrok. Seen as a Swiss Army Knife who can play anywhere up and down the lineup. And the 33-year-old is signed through next season at $2.1 million.
Another Leafs option is youngster Nick Robertson. He scored 15 goals and 22 points in very limited action . Jarnkrok would be a terrific leader for Buffalo's youngsters to follow. But the biggest trade cap spacel It's not as if he's going to breai the bank, and he has only one year left. on his contract.
Is There Anything Left For Sabres To Pick Up In Free Agency?
The NHL's free-agent frenzy has colmed down considerably, with most of the available talent now off the market. And the <a href="http://thn.com/buffalo">Buffalo Sabres</a> still have <a href="https://puckpedia.com/team/buffalo-sabres">approximately $13.6 million in salary cap space</a> to utilize. So, is there anything left for Buffalo to spend on the open market, or is the only road to improvement via trades?
You may be asking, "what's in this for the Leafs?" And that's a fair question. What's in it for Toronto is precious cap space. they can use in other, blockbuster deals down the line.
The Sabres have the cap space to pull off one of those deas. It's really just a matter of having the stones to pull it of. But Robertsn or Jarnkrok would definitely make the Sabres a better team., And in return, the Leafs would get cap flexibility in the short-and-long-term.