OTP - Is There A Jeff Skinner Decision Looming? One of the Buffalo Sabres' top offseason objectives is adding a top-six winger. It is clear that their forward group needs a boost if they hope to put an end to their 13-year playoff drought in 2024-25. Because of this, in a recent article for The Hockey News Penguins [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/pittsburgh-penguins/latest-news/pittsburgh-penguins-trade-options-rickard-rakell], Jacob Punturi listed the Sabres as a potential trade option for Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell. After missing the playoffs for the second year in a row, there is a possibility that the Penguins will make some changes to their group. Rakell has come up in the rumor mill in the past and had a bit of a down year, so perhaps a change of scenery could be in the cards. Rickard Rakell [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2OTE1MzUyMTU4ODA3MDkx/usatsi_22639688.jpg] Rickard Rakell Rakell would be an intriguing addition to a Sabres team looking to take that next step. When looking at a potential fit for him, he could work on their second line with Zach Benson and Dylan Cozens. He would also, of course, be a clear option for their power play. Rakell would be more than a rental if the Sabres acquired him. The veteran winger carries a $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season. In addition, he has some trade protection, carrying an eight-team no-trade list. Rakell appeared in 70 games this season with the Penguins, posting 15 goals, 37 points, and a plus-4 rating. It was a bit of a tough year for his standards, but he is a prime bounce-back candidate for 2024-25. He had 28 goals and 60 points in 82 games just back in 2022-23. RECENT SABRES NEWS Sabres Should Target Canucks Gritty Forward [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-should-target-canucks-gritty-forward] Sabres' Odds to Land Patrick Kane Revealed [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-odds-to-land-patrick-kane-revealed] Former Sabres Winger Jimmy Vesey is Done [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/former-sabres-winger-jimmy-vesey-is-done] 3 Sabres Prospects Finished in Buffalo [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/3-sabres-prospects-finished-in-buffalo] Sabres Could Target Rangers Veteran Center [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/sabres-could-target-rangers-veteran-center] Ex-Sabres Star Becomes Panthers Hero [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/buffalo-sabres/latest-news/ex-sabre-star-becomes-panthers-hero]