Sabres Rumors: Ilya Lyubushkin & Jacob Bryson Listed as Trade Candidates

The Buffalo Sabres made two notable additions to their blue line this summer, adding Erik Johnson and Connor Clifton. As a result of this, they now have a surplus of defensemen and could look to move at least one defenseman before the start of the year. According to Lance Lysowski, Ilya Lyubushkin and Jacob Bryson are potential trade candidates because of this.

Lyubushkin could certainly grab some attention if officially available for trade. The 29-year-old is a solid bottom-pairing defenseman who plays a steady defensive game and makes a big impact with his physicality. In 68 games this past season with the Sabres, he posted two goals, 14 points, and 99 hits. Teams looking to improve their right side before the start of the season could call the Sabres about him.

Bryson, on the other hand, noticeably struggled in 2022-23, as he had a notable minus-24 rating to go along with nine points in 59 games. He also carries a $1.85 million cap hit, and the Sabres would likely love to get that off the books. The 25-year-old can be an effective bottom-pairing while playing at his best, so maybe a change of scenery could benefit him at this juncture.

We will need to wait and see if either player gets dealt before the start of the season from here.