Buffalo Sabres (Robin Lehner/Chad Johnson/Linus Ullmark)
This is likely a scenario that Buffalo is more than happy to be stuck with. It’s been a bumpy ride since the departure of Ryan Miller. Finally back from injury, Robin Lehner will attempt to win over Sabres fans in an attempt to prove he can carry the load.
During Lehner’s absence due to injury in the first game of the season, Chad Johnson and Linus Ullmark shared the load. The pair put up excellent numbers, but they struggled to collect wins. Buffalo wasn’t expected to be a great team this year. Fans just needed to see things moving in the right direction, which is happening.
Chad Johnson, 29, is set to become a free agent in the summer. Buffalo may choose to trade Linus Ullmark and re-sign Chad Johnson. If they intend to hold on to Ullmark (intelligent decision given his age), Buffalo is wise to move Chad Johnson as a rental player. Even if it translates to a mere mid-to-late round draft pick, it’s an extra prospect in the system.
Linus Ullmark, 22, is still on his entry-level deal which is set to expire at the end of 2016-17. He’s an upgrade on Johnson, and still has room for development. Those factors are both great reasons to keep him, and reasons that make him a valuable trade asset.
It’s likely a wait and see type situation at the moment as Buffalo hopes to see a larger sample size of Robin Lehner. It’s only fair to give the guy an opportunity, considering they gave up a first round pick (Colin White) in a very deep draft last summer.
Solution: Trade Johnson, Keep Ullmark
Worst case scenario, you can probably re-sign Johnson in the offseason if you want him back. Mid as well stock the system with as many draft picks or prospects as possible. If the return yields a prospect, Buffalo will likely target another blueliner.
Next: Colorado Avalanche