With the NHL trade deadline approaching, insiders are finalizing their lists of players expected to spark the most discussion. The Buffalo Sabres have four potential trade candidates, and general manager Kevyn Adams faces some major decisions. According to Nick four key stars are among the names on his latest trade bait list.
The Sabres are at risk of missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, a situation that undoubtedly weighs on the front office. This could push them to make moves they might not have considered otherwise, creating a chance for significant changes within the organization.
Dylan Cozens
At just 24 years old, Dylan Cozens has the potential to be a star and has drawn interest from multiple teams. While there’s plenty of speculation, no trade has materialized yet.
Two years ago, Cozens scored 31 goals, but his production has declined since. Buffalo now faces a tough decision: hold onto him and risk repeating past mistakes of trading young talent too soon, or move him while his value remains high, assuming he has already peaked.
Cozens is only in the second year of a seven-year contract with a $7.1 million AAV, which could prove to be a bargain if he returns to form. As Nick Kypreos notes, the Sabres must be cautious. Their decision to trade Jack Eichel prolonged their rebuild, and they’ve seen several former players thrive elsewhere after being dealt.
Bowen Byram
At 22 years old, defenseman Bowen Byram has been a strong addition for the Sabres since being acquired in last year’s trade for Casey Mittelstadt. However, he’s drawing interest from other teams and could be costly to retain long-term. He leads Buffalo’s defensemen in even-strength goals and ranks among the league’s top blueliners in even-strength points—assets that could be valuable at the trade deadline, making him a prime “sell-high” candidate.
With two years of RFA eligibility remaining, the Sabres aren’t in a rush to move him. However, if the right offer comes along, they could be tempted to make a deal.
Alex Tuch
Alex Tuch, a Buffalo native, was the centerpiece of the Jack Eichel trade and has been a key player for the Sabres. He ranks second on the team in goals and excels in a two-way role. Under normal circumstances, there would be little reason to trade him, but with a $4.75 million cap hit through next season, he provides great value.
Interestingly, Nick Kypreos mentioned that the Los Angeles Kings could be open to moving Quinton Byfield for a proven, win-now player. There are rumors that Buffalo and L.A. have been in discussions, and Tuch fits the profile of the kind of player the Kings might prefer for immediate impact. For the Sabres, acquiring Byfield could be a high-upside move if he develops into a superstar.
Mattias Samuelsson
At 24, Mattias Samuelsson is under contract long-term with a $4.285 million AAV through 2029-30 and fits the mold of a defense-first player that many teams covet. He leads the Sabres in penalty-killing minutes, making him a valuable asset. If Buffalo trades him, it could signal their commitment to extending Bowen Byram, as Nick Kypreos doesn’t expect the Sabres to part with both defensemen.
With several key players potentially on the move, Buffalo is a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches. Whether any deals materialize remains to be seen.