Insider Provides Key Details Regarding Sabres' Trade Plans With Erik Johnson

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun provided some important information about the Sabres' plan with Erik Johnson.

The Buffalo Sabres are expected to be sellers at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. Because of this, trade chatter surrounding their pending UFAs has been picking up, and one specific defenseman who has generated buzz is Erik Johnson.

However, in a recent installment of TSN's Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun provided some key information about the prospect of Johnson getting moved. Here is what the prominent NHL insider had to say on the matter: 

"He [Johnson] was brought into the Sabres because he's a key leader for a young team. Now, obviously, there's a chance that he gets dealt, but the Sabres haven't committed to that just yet. They want to have a conversation with him. They want to have a conversation with his agent, Pat Brisson, before deciding where they go there."

With this news, it is clear that the Sabres are not going to move Johnson without hearing his opinion on the matter first. Given the fact that he is a respected veteran, this is understandable.

If the Sabres and Johnson agree that a trade is the right move, there will be a market for him. While he has not made the biggest impact this season with the Sabres (three goals and zero assists in 41 games), his steady defensive play, immense experience, and reputation as a team player are all qualities that make him an appealing target.

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