Buffalo Sabres F Jamie McGinn: NHL Trade Deadline Profile

Jan 12, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jamie McGinn (88) skates after the puck in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Buffalo Sabres forward Jamie McGinn (88) skates after the puck in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Sabres F Jamie McGinn: NHL Trade Deadline Profile

Buffalo Sabres F Jamie McGinn was originally drafted by the San Jose Sharks 36th overall (2nd round) back in 2006 from OHL’s Ottawa 67’s. He was an above point-per-game player his last two years of junior hockey.

After a pair of short stints with AHL Worcester in 2006-07 and 2007-08, he began his full-time pro career in 2008-09. He split time between the AHL and NHL his rookie season, posting 30 points in 47 games with Worcester, adding six points in 35 games with San Jose.

Splitting time between the NHL and AHL once again in 2009-10, McGinn earned himself extra time with the big club. He produced 21 points in 27 games with Worcester, adding 13 points in 59 games with San Jose. The 2010-11 season was much of the same, appearing in 30 games for Worcester, posting 20 points. He also added six points in 49 games with San Jose.

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Finally earning full-time NHL duties in 2011-12, Jamie McGinn had 24 points in 61 games near the end of February. Impressing the Avs, Colorado pulled the trigger on a six-player deal to acquire Jamie McGinn (which included Daniel Winnik and T.J. Galiardi heading to San Jose).

He spent a little over the next three years with Colorado, posting 79 points in 162 games, including two goals and three assists in seven playoff games in 2013-14. Unfortunately, he only appeared in 19 games last season (2014-15).

McGinn was traded to Buffalo this past summer as part of the Ryan O’Reilly deal that saw prospects Mikhail Grigorenko, Nikita Zadorov, and J.T. Compher shipped to Denver.

Much like he did in 2013-14 with the Avalanche, McGinn is proving he can be productive when given opportunities for extra ice-time. Seeing top-six minutes in 2015-16, Buffalo Sabres F Jamie McGinn has 14 goals, 13 assists (27 points) in 63 games so far.

Dec 10, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres left wing Jamie McGinn (88) checks into the boards Calgary Flames right wing Michael Frolik (67) during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres left wing Jamie McGinn (88) checks into the boards Calgary Flames right wing Michael Frolik (67) during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

via Buffalo News,

After a flurry of moves throughout the NHL this weekend, Jamie McGinn has risen up the trade-bait depth chart. The Sabres could still opt to re-sign the pending unrestricted free agent, but he said Saturday night he’ll be waiting for the phone to ring informing him of a deal.

“There’s no news,” McGinn’s agent, Thane Campbell, said Sunday by phone. “I have no news at all. I have nothing to say. There’s just nothing going on that I’m going to say anything about.”

McGinn has made the most of his top-six role with the Sabres, recording 14 goals and 27 points. He’d likely be a secondary player on a contender, and they’d love his willingness to get in front and work along the boards.

Florida has interest in McGinn, according to Panthers reporters George Richards and Harvey Fialkov, and so does Los Angeles, according to TSN’s Travis Yost.

Buffalo Sabres F Jamie McGinn carries an annual cap hit of $2.95 million dollars. The 27-year-old is in the final season of a two-year deal. His actual salary for 2015-16 is $3 million dollars. The Sabres will likely retain part of his contract.

Best Fits:

Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, St.Louis Blues

Hypothetical Trade:

Buffalo Sabres F Jamie McGinn to St.Louis for 2017 2nd round pick and 2016 5th round pick

Next: 2016 World Cup of Hockey: Preview, Projected Rosters

NHL Trade Deadline Profiles:

Loui Eriksson BOS | Eric Staal CARTraded to NYR | Jonathan Drouin TB | Dan Hamhuis VAN | Mikkel Boedker ARZ | Keith Yandle NYR | John-Michael Liles CAR | P.A. Parenteau TOR | Lee Stempniak NJ | Cam Ward CAR | Kris Russell CGY |

Don’t forget to follow us Monday with our NHL Trade Deadline Tracker.