In a fascinating one-for-one trade, the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks exchange forward for defenseman Bowen Byram. This deal could greatly influence both teams, filling crucial roster gaps and potentially altering the trajectory of their core players.
What Would Buffalo Get Out of Zegras?
The Sabres are still trying to break free from their decade-long rebuild. Despite accumulating young talent, they remain on the outside of the playoff race. Their defensive group, featuring Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson, appears strong on paper, but offensive struggles persist. Adding a player like Zegras would give Buffalo a dynamic playmaker to pair with forwards Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, and JJ Peterka.
Zegras, 23, is a dynamic and creative forward known for his highlight-reel plays. He showcased his offensive reliability with consecutive 60-point seasons before injuries impacted his 2023-24 campaign. While his defensive game has been questioned, Buffalo’s system provides the support he needs to thrive. Slotting him as a second-line center or winger would be a win-win for both Zegras and the team.
Why Would Anaheim Even Consider Trading Zegras
At first glance, trading Zegras might seem unreasonable for the Ducks. However, a deeper look reveals the logic behind it, as Anaheim’s forward group is already packed with young talent like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier. With these players proving to be younger and more dependable, Zegras could find himself squeezed out of the lineup, limiting his potential. With their offense taking shape, the Ducks’ next priority would be strengthening their defense.
Byram, 23, has dealt with injuries in the past but has established himself as one of the NHL’s most promising young defensemen. He has recorded 29 points in 55 games, including seven goals and 22 assists, with a +11 plus/minus rating. If he maintains this level of play in Anaheim, he would be a significant asset. Pairing him with Pavel Mintyukov or Olen Zellweger would give the Ducks a formidable top-four defense for years to come.
Despite Trade Value, This Trade Makes Sense
Both players are approaching the end of their contracts, and both teams have the cap space to accommodate the addition of either player. With mutual interest in each other’s assets, a trade between the Sabres and Ducks seems plausible. While there’s no indication that either franchise is actively pursuing a deal, it remains an intriguing “what-if” scenario—one that could positively shape the future of both teams.