Sabres Rumors: Buffalo "Getting More Calls" About Erik Johnson

As the NHL trade deadline draws near, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves inundated with inquiries regarding defenseman Erik Johnson.

General Manager Kevyn Adams has noted a marked uptick in interest surrounding Johnson, spurred by recent transactions involving other blueliners such as Chris Tanev and Ilya Lyubushkin.

Despite Johnson's uneven performance on the ice since joining the Sabres, his reputation for strong penalty-killing, adept shot-blocking abilities, and leadership qualities have positioned him as a sought-after asset among playoff-bound teams.

Erik Johnson scores his first with Buffalo pic.twitter.com/0e1TogphFO

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) October 20, 2023

This season, the 35-year-old has three goals, three total points, a -5 plus/minus rating, and 68 blocked shots across 50 games played this season.

Despite his struggles to meet expectations in terms of statistics, Johnson's intangible contributions make him an enticing prospect for teams eyeing postseason success.

Kyle Okposo's and Erik Johnson's names are both 'out there'.

No surprise with Johnson, but don't be surprised if Okposo finds a new team by Friday's deadline.

(via Jeff Marek) pic.twitter.com/gWWK66uP2w

— The Sabre Report (@TheSabreReport) March 3, 2024

NHL insider Lance Lysowski predicts a robust market for Johnson, emphasizing the value of his experience and presence beyond mere numbers.

Meanwhile, Johnson himself remains contemplative about his future, acknowledging his role in the team's challenges while remaining adaptable to any decisions made by management. Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports