It has been great to be a fan of the Buffalo Sabres of late. The winning streak is certainly at the heart of it but signing invaluable winger Josh Doan to an extension only added to the positive vibes. As of this writing, the Sabres sit third in the Atlantic Division and feel like a real threat to make the playoffs – and more if they can clean some things up.
That said, not everything is rosy in Sabreland. Oft-injured center Josh Norris continues to have issues, leaving the Sabres with the need to make an addition. Though the Sabres have already swung a minor deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, one of these three names would make a much bigger difference.
Artemi Panarin, W, New York Rangers
Why Panarin Fits: The Sabres would no doubt be looking to add substantial offensive firepower if they make a move and perhaps no one would better fit that bill than Panarin. He is the most proven commodity on the list by a mile and, at 34 years old, hasn’t lost a step with 19 goals and 56 points in 51 games.
Panarin is also an elite passer, someone who could possibly take Tage Thompson’s production to another level. When Norris returns, it would just make the Sabres all the more dangerous to play against and Panarin could play on either of the top two lines.
Why it Doesn’t Make Sense:
Panarin has been consistently productive, but there are two problems. First and foremost: he is 34 years old. He hasn’t shown signs of falling off the production cliff, but he’s certainly closer to that drop than at any other time in his career. Investing substantial assets in him could become a costly mistake the Sabres feel for years.
The second problem is his contract. Panarin is in the final year of a deal that pays him $11.6 million annually. While he’s unlikely to command a raise given his age, he isn’t going to come much cheaper than that, if at all. The Sabres have to sign several key players, so it may not be feasible to re-sign Panarin to the long-term deal he is reportedly seeking.
The Sabres could take a swing on Panarin as a rental, but general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has stated that he won’t hinder the future simply to make the playoffs now. If the Sabres do make a move for Panarin, they will likely want some certainty regarding an extension.
Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues
Why Thomas Fits: Even with Norris in the lineup, the Sabres are terribly thin down the middle. Thompson has moved back to center to accommodate injuries and Ryan McLeod is, for all intents and purposes, the second-line center at the moment.
Adding Thomas would mean that Thompson can move back to winger, Alex Tuch can be moved to the second line, and McLeod can move down to the third line when Norris returns. Though he is having something of a down year with 11 goals and 33 points in 42 games, Thomas has proven himself to be an upper-echelon playmaker offensively.
Slotting him next to Thompson could be a match made in heaven. And unlike Panarin, Thomas is just 26 years old and could have his best years ahead of him. He has also been largely healthy through his career, giving the Sabres more stability at their 1C spot.
Related: Sabres Trade Target: Robert Thomas
Why it Doesn’t Make Sense: The biggest hindrance isn’t so much what it would cost to land him as much as it is about his contract. Thomas is currently signed to a deal with a cap hit of $8.125 million per season through 2031. With the integral pieces of the young core needing to be re-signed, it might be tough to fit Thomas into that equation.
The cost is also likely to be a serious one from an assets standpoint. That said, the Sabres are in a unique position where an overpayment would be forgiven by the fan base if it meant making a stronger push for a playoff spot while also locking down the top center spot.
Compared to Panarin, this would make sense for a few more reasons. He is locked in at a more reasonable annual average value, is eight years younger, and solves the most pressing need for this team. That can and should be more than enough reason to aggressively pursue him.
Nazem Kadri, C, Calgary Flames
Why Kadri Fits: There are other big names being floated out there – Elias Pettersson, Dougie Hamilton, Steven Stamkos, etc. – but all have attached reasons why the Sabres should avoid them. Though the others would be preferred, don’t overlook the impact Kadri could have on this team.
Kadri brings more than a few things to the table. For starters, he would solidify the 2C spot like few others on the market could. He has experience in that role and can contribute 25 goals and 60-70 points. He also has the versatility to move up to the top line when (not if) Norris is injured again down the line.
Most importantly, he brings a veteran, winning experience to the table that the Sabres desperately need. The core of this team is young and has never been to the playoffs. Having Kadri, who won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, would be invaluable in terms of leadership and guidance for this group.
Why it Doesn’t Make Sense: For starters, Kadri is 35 years old. He’s still producing – nine goals and 35 points in 52 games on what may be the worst team in the league – but are we already seeing the decline? Can he remain a valuable commodity two or more seasons down the line?
The second is not so much the term of his contract, but the length. Kadri has three more seasons remaining on a contract with a $7 million annual average. That is far more manageable compared to other options but could become an albatross should Kadri’s production fall off.
Landing Kadri, who plays a tenacious, physical style, would be a nice addition for this lineup. If he could be had for the right price, it could wind up being the best thing for this season’s version of the Sabres. Long-term remains another question.
Now is the Time to Act
While the Sabres certainly don’t need to make a trade for the sake of making a trade, it is imperative that they make a move. Landing a big fish like one of the aforementioned names would go a long way toward showing the fan base that management is serious about not only making the playoffs but making the team a contender now and into the future.
