The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly eyeing this San Jose Sharks star.
The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly eyeing this San Jose Sharks star.
The 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is almost here and, naturally, trade rumors around the NHL are picking up. The Buffalo Sabres need to be watched, as they are in a position to sell off some of their expiring contracts but also add to their group if it helps them beyond this season.
Interestingly, in The Fourth Period's most recent Trade Watch List, the Sabres are being linked to San Jose Sharks star Logan Couture. TFP also has the Nashville Predators and Ottawa Senators linked to the Sharks captain.
TFP's David Pagnotta also reported that the Sharks "are willing to listen on their captain" and that he is open to increasing the number of clubs on his current three-team trade list.
Couture is not the first veteran center to be linked to the Sabres over the last few weeks. Both Scott Laughton (Philadelphia Flyers) and Boone Jenner (Columbus Blue Jackets) have been connected to Buffalo, and now Couture appears to have entered the mix.
Couture, 34, has missed the majority of this season due to a long-term lower-body injury. He appeared in six games back in late January for the club, where he posted an assist but then suffered a setback. As a result, he is currently out week-to-week.
With Couture dealing with his injury, the expectation is that a deal centering around him is more likely to occur during the offseason. However, with the Sabres being linked to him, this is a situation to watch closely.
Couture is a legitimate top-six center when healthy, as his 67 points just last season effectively display. If acquired, he would be a notable addition to the Sabres' group, both because of his skill and leadership. However, his current injury trouble makes adding him risky. This is especially so when noting that he has an $8 million cap hit until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see if their interest in him leads to them landing him, whether that be before the deadline or during the summer.
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