Sabres Have Big-Time Trade Target From Blues
With the Sabres' right side needing help, they should keep an eye on this Blues defenseman.
© Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports - Sabres Have Big-Time Trade Target From BluesThe general expectation heading into the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline is that the Buffalo Sabres will sell off some of their pending UFAs. While that is certainly possible, they also should not rule out the prospect of adding to their roster, especially if it helps them beyond this season.
One area that the Sabres clearly need to improve is the right side of their defensive group. If they have the chance to acquire a top-four, right-shot defenseman, they need to jump on that immediately. Interestingly, there is one who has been generating some trade buzz in the rumor mill as of late – St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko.
Parayko, 30, is one of the first names listed on The Fourth Period's Trade Watch board. Per TFP, the Calgary Flames are the lone team linked to Parayko. However, the Sabres would also be wise to reach out about him.
Parayko would be an immediate upgrade over Henri Jokiharju on Buffalo's second pairing with Owen Power. He would also serve as an excellent mentor for Power due to his experience, and he would, of course, be an obvious upgrade to their penalty kill because of his shutdown nature and reliable defensive play.
While Parayko would be a big-time addition to the Sabres, he would need to accept a move there, as he carries a full no-trade clause. He would also be far more than a rental for the Sabres if acquired, as he has a $6.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2029-30 season.
While there are some clear obstacles in a Parayko trade, he is exactly the kind of player on whom the Sabres should be kicking tires. In 49 games this season, the 6-foot-6 defenseman has eight goals, 18 points, 54 hits, and a plus-6 rating.