A prime trade target for the Buffalo Sabres is now off the board.
While the Buffalo Sabres have made multiple additions to their forward group this summer, they have yet to bring in a true top-six winger. Because of this, they were one of the clubs viewed as a prime potential landing spot for Patrik Laine. However, the hope of them landing Laine can now be forgotten.
The Columbus Blue Jackets traded Laine and a 2026 second-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Jordan Harris on Monday.
It is certainly tough to see Laine end up with a division rival like the Canadiens. He would have been a massive addition to the Sabres' lineup, as he would have provided them with a star sniper for their top six. In addition, he would have given the Sabres a big scoring weapon on their power play, which certainly would have been beneficial.
It will now be interesting to see how much of a force Laine is for the Canadiens from here. The fit looks great on paper, but the same could have been said for the Sabres.