NHL Trade Rumors: Sabres Could Make Another Huge Move

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

With another playoff-less season in the books, the Buffalo Sabres are entering an offseason that could see the departure of another key piece from their core. 

According to Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic, the team’s front office may be open to moving a significant player—not just for futures, but in a true trade involving another NHL-caliber talent. 

This mirrors moves from earlier in the year, like the Bowen Byram–Casey Mittelstadt and Dylan Cozens–Josh Norris swaps, signaling that GM Kevyn Adams is not afraid to shake things up in search of better balance.

One factor complicating the team’s path forward is the looming contract decisions with restricted free agents JJ Peterka and Bowen Byram. 

Fairburn points out that Peterka could command at least $7 million annually on a long-term deal, which lines up with projections from The Buffalo News. 

While the Sabres have $21.4 million in cap space, re-signing both RFAs at market value would consume a large portion of that room, especially if the team plans to add veteran help elsewhere on the roster.

Fairburn doesn’t rule out the possibility that one of those RFAs, or even another core piece under contract, could be part of a trade. 

If so, the goal wouldn't be to acquire picks or prospects but rather to bring in a player who can make an immediate impact. That kind of deal would keep the Sabres in line with their current approach—retooling rather than rebuilding, while trying to finally end their long postseason drought.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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