The wisest course of action is to trade the ninth overall selection since the Sabres need to sign a large free agent and have little space in their prospect rooms.
In just a few weeks, the Sabres will have to make a number of NHL draft-related choices. Here at Sabre Noise, we’ve published our fair share of draft articles and material, but for the following reasons, I think the Sabres would be better off trading for the ninth overall selection.
This is the Sabres’ best opportunity to qualify for the playoffs in the previous two years with their current roster. The ninth selection must be included in that exchange if they wish to add a major market player. I believe the Sabres will need to replace at least one of the three players they presently have on the trade block.
The Sabres’ prospect pool is one of the best in the NHL, and the room to make it to the next level is slim. They are running out of places to go once they look ready to move on from the Rochester Americans.
Jiri Kulich had a successful stint in the AHL, claiming a full-time roster spot in 2024-25. Devon Levi has been phenomenal at the AHL level and looks ready to stay at the NHL level. Not to mention, Isak Rosen, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius all look ready as well.
The Sabres need a big move and need it now
Kevyn Adams demonstrated that taking a swing can work out when he dealt top prospect Matt Savoie to the Edmonton Oilers for Ryan McLeod. The Sabres face more issues with players not wanting to come here, per their no-trade clauses in their contracts, making some trades simply not possible. But the ones that are on the table need to be pursued, and pursued heavily.
There are speculations that players like Alex Tuch, Bowen Byram, and J.J. Peterka, among others, are dissatisfied with the team’s direction and could wish to leave. Taking action would demonstrate to the important members of this team that management is committed to changing things.
If the Sabres don’t make a significant move this offseason, players will become dissatisfied, and the team will continue to lose year after year, the future won’t seem good. The Sabres must trade the ninth overall selection for existing players in order to strengthen this squad, as some of its key players have contracts that expire next year.
