NHL Rumors: 2 Buffalo Sabres Offseason Trade Candidates

The Buffalo Sabres are 6-1-3 in their past 10 games and look to be getting stronger as the season continues. With a changing of the guard in Buffalo with the Jack Eichel trade, the Sabres have become a close knit group of misfits. While the team will once again likely have another top-10 pick at the NHL entry draft, look for general manager Kevyn Adams to make a couple of deals this summer to upgrade for 2022-23. Here's two Sabres who could be on the move next offseason:

Jeff Skinner

One of the more head-scratching contracts in the league, Sabres forward Jeff Skinner is signed through the 2026-27 season at $9 million annually. The contract also holds a no-movement clause, adding another element to the hand-tying arrangement. Regardless, there could be some interest this summer as Skinner appears to have once again found his game. Through 67 games this season he's scored 27 goals and collected 48 points. Buffalo will have to retain some money, there's certainly no doubt about that, and if they are willing to eat at least $3 million, expect to see a long list of suitors. Perhaps a reunion in Carolina could be coming?

Kyle Okposo

The crazy part is the Sabres don't have many players under contract for next season, so if there's any moves this summer it's likely Skinner or Kyle Okposo moved, or both. Okposo is soon to be 34 years old and has been slowing down these past injury riddled seasons. He submits a 15-team list each offseason of teams who he won't accept a trade too, but next season he'll only have one season remaining on his $6 million cap hit, which is actually only $4 million cash. If the Sabres retain half, they will have a chance of moving on from the veteran winger. This season has been a great sight to see for Okposo fans as he's enjoyed a bounce-back performance, recording 40 points in 63 games. It's the best point production we've seen in over four years out of the Minnesota native and given the Wild's cap constraints for next season, maybe they make a move here to bring in the home town kid on a serious discount? Regardless, expect to see the Sabres explore a deal this summer at the entry draft and Okposo and Skinner could very well be involved.

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