Trade Idea: Marc-Andre Fleury to the Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are a solid netminder away from surprising some teams next season after they have re-tooled their forward group.  The team is built on skill and speed, and their offense could be lights out next season. One problem, their goaltending is inconsistent and if they want to get over the hump, perhaps they need to upgrade with a proven winner.

Insert, Marc-Andre Fleury.

Fleury's resume speaks for itself and yesterday it was reported the Vegas Golden Knights were actively trying to move the netminder. The team is trying hard to create some cap flexibility for this year and beyond, and moving Fleury's $7 million cap hit on this season and next, would be a great head start.

Trade Idea: Marc-Andre Fleury to the Buffalo Sabres for Carter Hutton

The Sabres currently have $3.495 million in cap space, and Hutton's cap hit next season is $2.75 million, so the numbers would need some adjusting. You have to think if the Golden Knights are ever going to trade Fleury, they will have to retain a small portion of his contract. The team could still save money over this year and next, so retaining salary would be worth it for Vegas.

Fleury has a limited no-trade clause, where he submits 10 teams he wants to avoid. Surely, there's a chance Buffalo is on the list, but perhaps if they are, a conversation with Jack Eichel and Taylor Hall, along with a chance to play every night could go a long way.

Photo credit:  Jerome Davis/Icon Sportswire