The Buffalo Sabres’ Ongoing Struggles
The Buffalo Sabres are on the brink of extending their NHL-record playoff drought to an unprecedented 14 seasons, a sobering fact that has sparked considerable speculation about potential trade candidates. Among the names being thrown around are center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram. However, another player who could soon join the list is 28-year-old right winger Alex Tuch. Tuch, who currently sits second among Sabres scorers with 43 points in 54 games, is on track to surpass his 59-point performance from last season. He has one year left on his current contract, commanding an average annual value of $4.75 million, and retains a five-team no-trade list. Despite the lack of clear indications that the Sabres are actively shopping Tuch, the rumor mill is buzzing with possibilities.
Potential Suitors for Alex Tuch
Larry Brooks of the New York Post has suggested that the New Jersey Devils should consider making a move for Tuch to bolster their offense. The Devils, currently lacking in scoring punch, have seen forward Dawson Mercer struggle this season with just 25 points in 57 games. Brooks speculates that Mercer could be used as a trade chip for a scoring forward like Tuch. While the Sabres may prefer a 1-for-1 player swap, the Devils’ interest in Tuch could heat up as the trade deadline approaches. The Sabres, however, will need to balance their desire to improve the team with the potentially high asking price for a player of Tuch’s caliber.
Speculation Surrounding John Gibson
The trade rumor mill is also abuzz with speculation about John Gibson, the 31-year-old goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks. Gibson, who has been a fixture in trade talks for the past two years, carries a significant cap hit of $6.4 million through the 2026-27 season and has a 10-team no-trade list. Recently, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed that Gibson’s preferred trade destinations are the Edmonton Oilers and the Carolina Hurricanes. Gibson is looking for an opportunity to be "the guy" in net, but there are doubts about whether partnering with Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner would align with his goals. The Hockey News’ Caleb Kerney suggests that acquiring Gibson would be a substantial addition for the Oilers, despite the presence of Skinner and backup Calvin Pickard.
Mixed Opinions on Gibson’s Value
Kurt Leavins, a colleague of David Staples from The Edmonton Journal, is less convinced about Gibson’s value as an upgrade over Stuart Skinner. Leavins points out that Gibson’s performance in Anaheim over the last five seasons has been lackluster, which raises questions about the wisdom of such a trade. While Gibson’s experience and pedigree are undeniable, the Oilers will need to weigh the potential benefits against the high cap hit and the uncertainty of his recent form. The decision to pursue Gibson could hinge on the Oilers’ long-term vision and their assessment of his potential impact on the team’s playoff prospects.
Jake Evans on the Move?
Turning to the Montreal Canadiens, there is a growing consensus among hockey pundits that center Jake Evans could be moved by the trade deadline. The 28-year-old, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the season, has been one of the best penalty-killers in the league this year. With 11 goals and 27 points in 56 games, Evans is on track to shatter his previous career highs of 13 goals and 29 points. On February 9, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported that negotiations between Evans and the Canadiens have stalled, suggesting that a trade is increasingly likely. Evans’ affordable cap hit of $1.7 million makes him an attractive target for playoff contenders looking to bolster their bottom-six depth without breaking the bank.
Potential Destinations for Jake Evans
James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now believes that Evans could be a perfect fit for the Devils’ third-line center role. Arpon Basu of The Athletic has also pondered the possibility of packaging Evans with linemate and fellow UFA Joel Armia to maximize the return for the Canadiens. While the Canadiens’ recent slide in the standings has intensified the calls for trading Evans, not everyone is convinced he will be on the move. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie suggests that there is a real possibility Evans could re-sign with the Canadiens. The Canadiens’ front office will need to carefully consider the best course of action as the trade deadline looms, with the potential to significantly impact their immediate and long-term prospects.
