Buffalo Sabres at the NHL Trade Deadline: A Crucial Week
With just seven days until the NHL Trade Deadline, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves at the center of a storm of phone calls from contending clubs eager to make roster upgrades in their quest for the Stanley Cup. General Manager Kevyn Adams has been clear about his intentions to re-sign pending unrestricted free-agent wingers Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway, preferably before March 7. This strategic move underscores the Sabres’ commitment to building a sustainable and competitive roster, even as the deadline looms.
Pursuing Greenway: A Strategic Move
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Sabres are actively working to get Jordan Greenway signed to an extension. Greenway, 28, has been a reliable presence on the ice, contributing eight points (three goals, five assists) in 23 games. His return to the lineup on February 25 against the New York Rangers, after missing nearly two months due to injury, highlights his importance to the team. Greenway’s journey this season has been marked by resilience. Acquired for a pair of draft picks in March 2023, the 6’6”, 231 lb. winger had a strong 28-point season last year and started off this year under Lindy Ruff with promise. However, a middle-body injury in November sidelined him for over three weeks, and he returned only to suffer a setback in Toronto on December 15, leading to surgery. Despite these challenges, Greenway has established himself as an excellent two-way forward and penalty killer, providing a significant physical presence in a Buffalo lineup that often lacks size and defensive aptitude. His career-high of 12 goals last season suggests that his salary demand from the Sabres or other teams as a free agent this summer may not be substantially higher than his current $3 million cap hit. The key to a deal may lie in the term Buffalo offers and whether Greenway wants to continue his career with the Sabres.
Zucker: A Proven Performer
Jason Zucker, 32, signed with Buffalo last summer on a one-year, $5 million contract. Adams has made it clear that the team would like to re-sign Zucker, who has already indicated his willingness to return to the Sabres. Zucker’s experience and on-ice presence make him a valuable asset for the team. While there have not been any significant updates on the progress of negotiations, Adams’ commitment to both Greenway and Zucker is evident. "I’ve connected with both of their agents. These are two guys that we think are important. We’d like to have both of them back," Adams said. "Both of those guys, we’d like to move forward and try to find a way to get a deal done, and if we can’t, it has to work for both sides, but that’s why you start these conversations early, and hopefully we’ll be able to work something out, but if we can’t, then we’ll have to go from there." Zucker’s one-year deal was a calculated risk that has paid off, and the Sabres are hoping to lock him in for the long term.
The Trade Deadline Conundrum
Adams has maintained that he is looking for players who can contribute to the team immediately, rather than future assets. This approach is crucial as the Sabres aim to build a competitive roster for the present and the future. However, if he cannot secure extensions for Greenway and Zucker before the deadline, the Sabres will be forced to trade their pending free agents for whatever assets they can get. This situation places Adams in a delicate position, balancing the team’s immediate needs with the potential long-term benefits of acquiring draft picks, prospects, or players who can make an immediate impact.
The Importance of Early Conversations
The early conversations with Greenway and Zucker’s agents are a testament to Adams’ proactive approach to the trade deadline. By starting these discussions early, Adams is giving both the Sabres and the players time to explore various options and find mutually beneficial solutions. The trade deadline is a high-stakes period, and having a head start can make a significant difference in the outcome. Whether the Sabres manage to re-sign Greenway and Zucker or trade them for valuable assets, Adams’ early engagement demonstrates a commitment to the team and a strategic vision for the future.
Looking Forward
As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, the Buffalo Sabres are in a pivotal position. The next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of Greenway and Zucker, and by extension, the direction of the team. Kevyn Adams’ approach to re-signing or trading these key players will have long-lasting implications for the Sabres’ roster and their prospects for success. While the path forward remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the Sabres are determined to build a competitive and sustainable team, and the decisions made in the coming days will play a critical role in achieving that goal.
