The Buffalo Sabres have had a busy 2024 NHL Offseason. They notably improved their forward depth, adding Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty, Ryan McLeod, Beck Malenstyn, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. While they certainly fulfilled their offseason goal of improving their bottom six, they have yet to bring in another top-six winger.
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That is not to say that the Sabres did not try, as they were linked to multiple names earlier this offseason, including Martin Necas and Nikolaj Ehlers. However, at this juncture, they have yet to add that one last star to their group.
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With it now being August, trades around the NHL have quieted down, and some big-name players who were previously in the rumor mill seem likely to stay put. However, while this is the case, one star continues to create chatter as we near September: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine.
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Laine, 26, requested a trade earlier this offseason, and now that he is out of the NHL player assistance program, a move before the season begins is possible. With the Sabres needing another star in their top six, they should seriously consider targeting him.
If the Sabres acquired Laine, he would provide their top six with a big boost as they look to finally break their 13-year playoff drought. In addition, he would give their power play a big boost, as he is a dangerous scorer when playing at his best. This is made apparent by his combined 48 goals and 108 points in 111 games for the Blue Jackets during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
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The Sabres have money to work with, as they have over $8 million of cap space. Thus, if the Blue Jackets are open to retaining a chunk of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit until the end of the 2025-26 season, the Sabres could be an excellent match for him. It also does not hurt that Buffalo has a strong prospect pool that could intrigue a rebuilding club like Columbus.
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