NHL Rumors: Sabres Shopping Defenseman

According to David Pagnotta, the Buffalo Sabres are expected to trade defenseman Robert Hagg by the deadline. 

The Sabres acquired Hagg from the Philadelphia Flyers over the summer in the Rasmus Ristolainen trade. Although he has only been with the team for a short period, a trade does seem more likely than not. Hagg has an expiring contract and the Sabres are not going to be in the playoffs this spring. This is made apparent by their 13-21-7 record. With all of this, he certainly is viewed as a rental candidate.

Hagg is a defensive defenseman who could work on a team's bottom pair or even as a seventh defenseman. Playoff teams need to have depth, as injuries are sadly very common as the year continues. He would provide one with just that. 

In 31 games this season with the Sabres, Hagg has a goal, five assists, and a minus-9 rating. He also has been pretty physical, which is made clear by his 60 hits on the year. Overall, it hasn't been too bad of a year for him, but he also has dealt with some injury trouble, too. 

It seems inevitable that Hagg will be moved by the deadline due to his expiring contract. Although he may not net the Sabres the biggest return, it would be good for the rebuilding squad to get something for him. It's better than the possibility of losing him for nothing during the offseason. 

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