4 Moves The Buffalo Sabres Need To Make This Off-Season

After being the worst team in the NHL this season, the Sabres have a lot to do this off-season. They have not made the playoffs in ten seasons and are in the midst of restarting their rebuild at stage one. A lot of their veteran players are unhappy with the team and they have every right to be. It is hard to envision that things will get better for the Sabres next season because of this.

This seems like a summer where the team is going to have to revamp their roster entirely. These are four moves that are essential for them to make this off-season.

Trade Jack Eichel: The Sabres need to trade captain Jack Eichel this summer. He has been open about feeling disconnected from the organization because of how they are handling his injury. Given the fact that he is only 24-years-old and an elite talent, they will get a lot back for him. Both parties absolutely need to move on. It will be horrible losing a first-line center like Eichel, but the Sabres have no choice.

Trade Sam Reinhart: Sam Reinhart is another forward who has been open about being unhappy with Buffalo. Given the fact that he is one year away from free agency, it would make sense to trade him before this season starts. He is coming off of a career year that saw him score 25 goals and register 40 points in 54 games. His value is at its highest, so they could easily net a few strong prospects for him.

Trade Rasmus Ristolainen: Buffalo's summer of selling shouldn't stop there. Rasmus Ristolainen also should be a player who is traded, too. He has been in the rumor mill for awhile now and reportedly asked for a trade back in 2019. Ristolainen would benefit from a change of scenery, as he is 26-years-old and has yet to play a single playoff game. He is also a big right-handed defenseman who produces offensively, there would be a ton of interest from other teams.

Extend RFAs Rasmus Dahlin And Casey Mittlestadt: Dahlin and Mittlestadt should be the young players the Sabres build around moving forward. They should not be afraid to pay a little extra on long-term deals for them, too. Although Dahlin had a down year, he is one season removed from a 40 point season, while playing in just 59 games. Therefore, he should bounce back after ending the year strongly. Mittlestadt also showed serious progression this season and has the tools to be a true top-six forward.