These two Sabres are expected to generate plenty of interest over the next few weeks.
These two Sabres are expected to generate plenty of interest over the next few weeks.
The Buffalo Sabres are a team that hockey fans will be watching at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. This is because the expectation is that they will not only be sellers but also look to add players if they benefit them beyond this season.
However, when it comes to the selling side of things, they have a handful of pending UFAs who could generate interest over these next few weeks. Yet, in a recent article for The Athletic, Matthew Fairburn wrote that Erik Johnson and Zemgus Girgensons are expected to be the team's "most attractive trade assets."
Johnson, 35, recently said that he hopes to remain with the Sabres past the deadline. However, that is not a guarantee, as he has no trade protection, and teams are surely going to call the Sabres about him. This is because he is a steady defensive defenseman who plays a heavy game and has plenty of experience. With that, he also has a Stanley Cup on his resume, so that naturally will get the attention of other clubs.
The Sabres and Johnson are also expected to talk about potential trade plans before any potential move goes down.
Johnson has appeared in 43 games this season for the Sabres, where he has three goals and a plus-3 rating.
Girgensons, 30, is another pending UFA who could be a solid rental for a playoff team looking to add to their forward depth. Although he has spent the entirety of his 659-game career as a Sabre, there's a good chance that he will be moved if the team does not view him as a long-term part of their plans.
Girgensons could be a sneaky good addition for a contender, as he plays a heavy game, and that is always appreciated during the postseason, as Fairburn noted. In 34 games this season, he has four goals, 67 hits, and 20 blocks.
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