NHL Trade Rumors: Sabres & Utah Linked To Pre-Deadline Deal
With the team struggling near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, general manager Kevyn Adams has received trade inquiries on players like Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch while also fielding interest in pending UFAs Jason Zucker, Jordan Greenway, and Henri Jokiharju.
Kesselring, a 25-year-old right-shot defenseman, has played all 49 games for Utah this season, logging over 19 minutes per night and contributing 22 points in 56 contests. His size, physicality, and growing two-way game make him an ideal candidate to pair with Owen Power, a key area of need for Buffalo.
Utah GM Bill Armstrong praised Kesselring’s development, stating, “He’s got length, he plays the game hard, he’s got a big boomer of a shot.”
Michael Kesselring and Damon Severson go dancing. 🕺 pic.twitter.com/aALRpyFLFk
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 7, 2025
Kesselring’s affordability, with a $1.4 million cap hit through 2026, and ability to handle top-four minutes have made him a valuable trade chip.
With Utah boasting a surplus of defensemen, Buffalo and Toronto have both been linked to the blueliner in trade discussions. Fairburn suggests that winger Jack Quinn could be part of a package to acquire Kesselring, given Buffalo’s increasing depth at forward, particularly with Cozens and Tage Thompson seeing time on the wing.
“Quinn could be expendable, and any trade to acquire a right-shot defenseman capable of playing second-pair minutes is going to require a decent piece going the other way,” Fairburn wrote.
Some trade proposals have also included Cozens in a larger package involving Utah forward Lawson Crouse, but it remains uncertain whether Adams is willing to part with a key young center.
He won't come cheap, but the Leafs should inquire about Michael Kesselring. Solid two-way player, good puck mover, responsible defensively, and plays with some snarl. Almost a McCabe-lite with the bonus of him being a RHD pic.twitter.com/dArr4ntwir
— Michael (@mic_mazz) February 10, 2025
While Utah may be hesitant to move Kesselring, the Sabres are looking to add defensive reinforcements, and a trade for a right-shot blueliner will likely come at a cost.
Buffalo has spent years stockpiling young talent, but with another disappointing season unfolding, Adams may be forced to make some tough roster decisions.
Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
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