The Sabres should make a push for this Blues star this summer.
Leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Buffalo Sabres were one of the teams connected to St. Louis Blues star forward Pavel Buchnevich. While they did not acquire him, the possibility of adding him during the offseason is still there, as the Blues elected not to trade him before the deadline.
The Sabres' need for another high-impact forward this summer is apparent. They notably traded Casey Mittelstadt to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Bowen Byram. While they improved their defense, which was a significant need, they would be wise to replace Mittelstadt with a player like Buchnevich during the offseason. This is especially so when noting that they have playoff aspirations for next season.
Pavel BuchnevichBuchnevich, 28, would be a solid addition to the Sabres' top six and power play if acquired. He is a very skilled forward who can produce at a point-per-game pace, as we saw during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns. He also provides some grit and experience along with it, which only adds to his appeal.
The Sabres will also have a lot of money to work with this offseason, as players like Victor Olofsson, Tyson Jost, Eric Robinson, and Eric Comrie will be coming off the books. Thus, the Sabres will be in a position to spend some money this summer.
We will need to wait and see if the Sabres are among the suitors for Buchnevich this offseason. On paper, there could be a great fit here.