Sabres Rumors: 3 potential trade candidates as struggles continue in Buffalo

The Buffalo Sabres are a bit of a mess and it's starting to sound like some roster moves could be on the way. GM Kevyn Adams sewered himself recently with his awkward press conference about how free agents don't want to sign in Buffalo, and it's become more of a reality if Adams wants to upgrade his roster, he'll need to do it on the trade market.

Here's three Sabres trade candidates who could be dealt in the coming weeks:

Jason Zucker

Zucker, 32, isn't necessarily going to be in the Sabres' long-term plans. He's a pending UFA with a $5-million cap hit and so far in his first season in Buffalo, he's putting up decent numbers with five goals and 16 points in 26 games. Zucker doesn't have any trade protection, and is a prime candidate to get moved. Once the Sabres are officially out of playoff contention, look for talks to intensify. 

Jack Quinn

Selling low isn't necessarily the best solution but the Sabres are likely going to see what the market is like for Quinn. The former 2020 8th overall pick has just one goal and five points in 24 games this season. His 37 points in 75 games as a rookie hasn't been matched in the two seasons since, and it's certainly been one of the reasons the Sabres can't build enough balance of secondary scoring. At 23 years old, we'll see how long the Sabres are patient with Quinn's development or if they decide to move him before March 7.

Devon Levi

There's no doubt in Buffalo that Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is the goaltender of the now and the future, so it will be interesting to see what Adams does with Levi. The 23-year-old is down in the minors once again as Adams has decided to go with veteran James Reimer as Luukkonen's backup. Levi may need another year or two before he finds the level of consistency the team is looking for, and by then, it could be too late. With Luukkonen locked in long term, perhaps Levi could be moved for a piece up front? 

Photo credit:  Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images