Buffalo Sabres Trade Rumors: Players on the Chopping Block

The Buffalo Sabres made headlines on Wednesday by trading defenseman Michael Kesselring along with the 27th overall pick in this year’s NHL Entry Draft to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the 20th overall pick. This move was anticipated as Kesselring’s performance during his sole season with the Sabres did not meet expectations.

With Kesselring now out of the picture, the focus shifts to other players who may find themselves on the trading block. Devon Levi has emerged as a prominent name in trade discussions since the end of Buffalo’s season. With three other goalies ahead of him on the Sabres’ depth chart, it wouldn’t be surprising for the team to consider giving Levi a fresh start elsewhere, especially given that he did not make an appearance in the NHL this season. In 52 games with the Rochester Americans, Levi posted a 23-20-9 record and a .904 save percentage.

In addition to Levi, the Sabres will need to address their salary cap situation, particularly with multiple pending free agents, both unrestricted and restricted. One player who could be moved is Jordan Greenway, who carries a $4 million cap hit. His role as a bottom-six forward may not justify such a salary, making him a candidate for a trade before July 1. During his 40 games with the Sabres this season, Greenway managed just one goal and six points while delivering 57 hits.

Another name to watch this offseason is Josh Norris, a forward integral to the Sabres’ lineup. However, his sizable $7.95 million cap hit raises questions about his future with the team. Given his contributions, it’s plausible the Sabres could explore trading Norris in a package aimed at acquiring a more impactful forward. This season, Norris tallied 13 goals, 21 assists, and a total of 34 points over 44 games.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.