Sabres Should Make Blockbuster Trade With Lightning

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The Tampa Bay Lightning made the first major trade of the offseason, acquiring defenseman Ryan McDonagh and a 2024 fourth-round pick from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round pick.

The Lightning have significantly improved their blueline by bringing back McDonagh, but they now have only a little over $5 million left in cap space. Star center Steven Stamkos also needs a new contract, so they are expected to move out some money.

Because of the Lightning's current cap situation, center Anthony Cirelli has started to create some chatter as a trade candidate. With the Sabres needing help down the middle, he's precisely the kind of center they should push for if he's officially made available.

Cirelli, 26, has emerged as an impactful two-way center in the NHL. This is because he not only produces well offensively, but he also plays an incredibly dependable defensive game. Due to this, he would be an excellent addition to the Sabres' middle six. He would also, of course, immediately be Buffalo's top penalty killer if acquired.

Cirelli would be far more than a rental, too, as he carries a $6.25 million cap hit until the completion of the 2030-31 season. As a result, he would be a long-term part of Buffalo's core if acquired.

Cirelli appeared in 79 games this season with the Lightning, where he had 20 goals and 45 points - both new career highs.