Could The Lindholm And Monahan Trades Affect The Sabres Approach To The Deadline?

Sabres leading scorer Casey Mittelstadt would be an attractive trade piece if he is made available

The market for the upcoming NHL trade deadline was significantly affected during last week’s All-Star break, with two of the biggest targets in Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan coming off the board.

Lindholm was dealt by Calgary to the Vancouver Canucks for forward Andrei Kuzmenko, two prospects, a 2024 first-round pick, and a conditional draft choice, while Monahan was dealt by Montreal to the Winnipeg Jets for a 2024 first-rounder and conditional pick.

At this point, the center market has been depleted to the point that Anaheim's pending UFA Adam Henrique and Chicago’s Tyler Johnson are considered the top targets, but with contenders like the New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, and Boston Bruins still on the hunt for help up the middle, some clubs may be considering making players available if the price is right.

Philadelphia reportedly is considering shopping Scott Laughton (who has two more years left at an AAV of $3 million), and there is some speculation that the Buffalo Sabres may shop center Casey Mittelstadt.

The 25-year-old has been a consistent performer and leads the Sabres with 42 points (12 goals, 30 assists), but he will be a restricted free agent this summer. Mittelstadt is eligible for salary arbitration and has one more year until he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

There has not been any chatter that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams and Mittelstadt’s representatives have discussed a contract extension, and with both Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens locked up on long-term extensions at an AAV over $7 million, it is questionable that Buffalo would be willing to lock up another center for big dollars.

The Sabres have options with Mittelstadt. They could sign him for one year, buying time to see if he continues to show progress, and If he does, they have the option of signing him during next season or trading him at next year’s deadline. It is doubtful that Adams would be willing to deal Mittelstadt for a package of future draft picks and prospects since the Sabres have one of the most stockpiled prospect pools in the NHL, but they might listen to offers if they involved young players currently in the NHL.

That kind of deal would be more likely over the summer, but it is not out of the question that a contending team might be willing to pay through the nose to upgrade at center before March 8.

LATEST THN BUFFALO STORIES

First Half Report Card – Forwards

First Half Report Card - Defense

First Half Report Card - Goaltenders