Sabres Can Cross Off One Trade Target From Their Wish List

One potential target for the Sabres will not be moved before the deadline.

If the Buffalo Sabres are going to add anyone at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, it will most likely be a right-shot defenseman. Because of this, when Columbus Blue Jackets top prospect David Jiricek expressed clear frustration about his recent demotion, the Sabres stood out as a club that could make a push for him. However, that idea can now be forgotten.

In his most recent 32 Thoughts column, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman had this to say about the speculation regarding Jiricek's future in Columbus: " There was a short explosion around his AHL demotion, but the Blue Jackets made it verrrrrrrry clear they are not moving David Jiricek. They see the potential — and so does everyone else."

While bringing in a high-impact prospect like Jiricek would have been outstanding for the Sabres, it is understandable that the Blue Jackets have zero desire to move him. He was their 2022 sixth-overall pick, and he has the potential to blossom into a top-pairing defenseman later down the road. 

In 36 games this season with Columbus, Jiricek has one goal, nine points, and a minus-1 rating. The 6-foot-3 defenseman also has dominated while with the Cleveland Monsters, posting three goals and seven points in his first six games. 

Nevertheless, with Jiricek absolutely not being available, the Sabres could explore other options before the deadline passes. 

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