NHL Rumors: Sabres Have Major Trade Chip In Goaltending Prospect

The Buffalo Sabres have really built up a strong goaltending prospect pool and are set for the future. But a good problem has arisen for them as they have more young goaltenders than they have room for. Craig Anderson is 41 years old and is a placeholder for the next batch of talent until they arrive, which is as soon as this season.

Eric Comrie has already arrived and appears to be a possible 1b goalie in the NHL, if not a starter. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has been playing backup in the NHL and hasn't looked like the stellar prospect he was projected to be. Struggles to adjust to the NHL also come with being a young goaltender entering the league, so there shouldn't be much to worry about.

After Comrie and Luukkonen, the Sabres have Devon Levi whom they traded for from the Florida Panthers one year after he was drafted. Levi and a first rounder went to the Sabres in exchange for Sam Reinhart. Levi has spent the past two seasons at Northeastern University and has posted stellar numbers in goal. The 20-year-old appears to be bound for the NHL in a few years, so that leaves the Sabres' top trade chip as the odd man out.

There's no doubt Erik Portillo, another Sabres' goaltending prospect, knows what's in front of him on the depth charts in Buffalo. Lance Lysowski reported that the Sabres do not like their chances to sign Portillo after this season. He could be used as a big trade chip if they can't come to an agreement. The young goaltender has spent the past three seasons at the University of Michigan and has performed very well. Whether it be to acquire a player long-term or to just help the team out next season, it would be a waste to not be able to sign Portillo and let him sign somewhere else.