According to the latest NHL trade rumors, after an injury to Vladimir Sobotka, the Buffalo Sabres are scouring the trade market for a forward.
After a very impressive month of October, November hasn’t gone too well for the Buffalo Sabres. They have yet to win a game in four attempts and just got swept in the Global Series by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Furthermore, they’ve scored just six goals in their last four games. It should come as no surprise that the latest NHL trade rumors have the Sabres looking for a forward.
This report comes from TSN‘s Pierre LeBrun in their latest Insider Trading segment. LeBrun notes the Sabres have been looking to trade a defenseman, and it will most likely be for a forward. He also points out the injury to Vladimir Sobotka, which should keep him out for a while, is likely forcing their hand.
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Another factor in all of this is the team’s five-game losing streak. During the losing streak, they’ve scored just eight goals while allowing 12 actual goals, plus an additional shootout “goal” that doesn’t really count.
Buffalo has struggled immensely on offense this year. They’ve averaging under three goals per game and four of their forwards are responsible for over half of their total goals scored. An upgrade is clearly needed and there are a lot of options out there.
Obviously, if the New Jersey Devils make a decision on Taylor Hall, who will be a free agent after this season, the Sabres will likely be interested. However, it’s fair to ask if they have the necessary assets to get him. Also, a lot of teams are going to be interested in Hall if he hits the trade market.
The Sabres could take a look at the Los Angeles Kings. They are shopping both Tyler Toffoli and Ilya Kovalchuk, along with some other forwards. Toffoli is the best scorer of the forwards the Kings would most likely be willing to part with.
Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers could be another target of theirs. Much like Hall and Toffoli, he will be a free agent at the end of the 2019-20 season. Vladislav Namestnikov of the Ottawa Senators could be one as well. He can play center or wing, which is something the Sabres might want in a forward.
Jason Zucker of the Minnesota Wild might be available, as he was nearly traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins this summer. However, the Wild seem dedicated to keeping him for the time being. Though if they continue to struggle, they’ll likely listen to offers.