Check out the latest on the Sabres and Senators in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE ATHLETIC: With the Buffalo Sabres holding the first wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference, Matthew Fairburn examined some potential trade-deadline targets that could help them clinch their first postseason berth in 14 years.
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas (NHL Images).
Pursuing Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues would be a major move by the Sabres. The Blues are in seller mode, and it would take a major offer to land him. Fairburn suggests that it seems more like an offseason move.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Thomas carries a full no-movement clause. He might not want to waive it to join the Sabres.
Fairburn included Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ryan O’Reilly of the Nashville Predators, and Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs. All of them lack no-trade protection.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets are reportedly trying to re-sign Jenner. They’re also trying to chase down a playoff berth and could be unwilling to sell if they’re still in the hunt by the March 6 trade deadline.
O’Reilly’s three-year tenure with the Sabres was an unhappy one. It’s doubtful he’ll want to return. Despite his lack of a no-trade clause, the Predators are treating him like he has one.
McMann seems a more realistic possibility if the Leafs become sellers. They reportedly seek a first-round pick for McMann, but will likely end up accepting a second-rounder by deadline day.
OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports the Senators will continue their search for the right fit on their blueline once the Olympic trade freeze is lifted at midnight on Feb. 22.
General manager Steve Staios is reportedly trying to find a right-shot defenseman and possibly a top-six forward. However, the trade market is thin, and prices for defensemen remain high.
Garrioch claimed the Senators expressed an interest in Calgary Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar. The Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Utah Mammoth have also been linked to Weegar.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Weegar is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million. He also has a full no-trade clause, which limits the trade destinations he would find acceptable.
The Senators are also believed to be interested in Zach Whitecloud, who was acquired by the Flames from the Vegas Golden Knights as part of the Rasmus Andersson trade last month.
Other defensemen believed to be available include Brandon Carlo of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils, Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Garrioch noted the Senators’ lack of a first-round pick in this year’s draft to use as trade bait. They’re also not interested in moving top prospects Carter Yakemchuk and Logan Hensler. That could hamper their efforts to address their trade-deadline needs.