NHL trade rumors: Top 4 teams who should trade for Johnny Gaudreau
3. Buffalo Sabres
Much like the Flames, the Buffalo Sabres are likely going to make some significant changes this summer. They’ve gone nearly an entire decade without making the postseason. Any time that happens, big changes should be expected.
Though I’m sure the Sabres would prefer to add a center (maybe Sean Monahan?) this offseason, Johnny Gaudreau would be a very nice consolation prize. He would immediately slot in on either the top line or their second line. Most likely the latter because the top line, led by Jack Eichel, is one of the very few things right with the Sabres.
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Unless the Sabres make a trade, Dylan Cozens is likely going to be the second-line center heading into the 2020-21 season. If it’s not him, it’ll be Marcus Johansson. Regardless of who the second-line center is in Buffalo next season, Gaudreau would make them a lot better.
Gaudreau’s coming off a down year, but he’s one year removed from nearly hitting triple digits in points with 99 during the 2018-19 season. His career-low is 58 points. The Sabres need elite talent like Gaudreau’s.
Yes, Johnny Hockey can be a tad bit frustrating if he’s cold. But when he’s hot, he’s one of the most dynamic players in the NHL. The big question is do the Sabres have what it takes to tempt the Flames? They’d probably have to include the 8th overall pick in the 2020 draft to get Calgary to listen. But it never hurts to ask and chances are, they’re not getting someone as good as Gaudreau with that pick anyway.