Where Could Erik Johnson Go At the Trade Deadline?
Three potential trade destinations for veteran blueliner
Where Could Erik Johnson Go At the Trade Deadline?The Buffalo Sabres have a number of players that might be on the wish list of Stanley Cup contenders over the next two-plus weeks, and based on the number of teams scouting the Blue and Gold over their recent homestand, GM Kevyn Adams could be involved in multiple trades before March 8.
One of the most attractive targets on the Sabres roster is defenseman Erik Johnson. The former #1 overall pick was signed as a free agent last July and has been a stabilizing presence and influence on a young Buffalo blueline, but with the possibility of the 35-year-old retiring after this season, he could want one more chance at another Stanley Cup.
Here are three potential destinations for Johnson:
1. Vegas - Golden Knights scouts have been a regular presence at Key Bank Center in February. With a chance to repeat as Cup champions, GM Kelly McCrimmon may be looking to bolster his blueline, especially since Shea Theodore just returned after missing over two months with an upper-body injury.
2. Toronto – Leafs scouts have been at three of the last four games in Buffalo and GM Brad Treliving is casting a wide net for defensive help. Salary retention may be necessary if a deal takes place between the Sabres and their Atlantic Division rival.
3. Colorado – Who says you cannot go home again? Johnson still has deep emotional ties to the Avalanche organization and every contender is looking for defensive depth. If the price is right, it makes a lot of sense. With names like Kurtis MacDermid, Caleb Jones, and Jack Johnson in the mix on Colorado's bottom pairing, a return to Denver is not out of the question.
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