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The Blue Jackets have a glut of right-handed defenseman, which the Sabres should take advantage of.

While the Buffalo Sabres are likely to deal some of their pending UFAs at the deadline, they should also consider bringing in players who can help them beyond this season. One of their most pressing requirements is to get a right-shot defenseman, and the Columbus Blue Jackets have plenty of them.

 

Several Blue Jackets players, including Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic, Elvis Merzlikins, and Alexandre Texier, have been linked to rumours due to the team’s struggles this season. However, the Sabres should target two specific Blue Jackets players. Let’s talk about them now.

Adam Boqvist, 23, is a former top prospect who has made improvement in the NHL. However, injury has hampered his growth slightly, and the Blue Jackets’ abundance of defensemen has not helped him in this respect.

Boqvist is a competent offensive defenseman with top-four potential in the proper situation. At this point, all we need is a change of scenery. In 20 games this season, he has seven assists. While his point production is poor, he did have five goals and 24 points in 46 games previous season.

At 23 years old, Boqvist still has time to enhance his overall game, which should tempt the Sabres. He would be more than just a rental, since he carries a $2.6 million salary commitment until the end of next season and an RFA status. As a result, even after his current contract expires, he will stay under team management.

Andrew Peeke is another defenseman that the Sabres should consider. He is a completely different player from Boqvist. While Boqvist is primarily an attacking defenseman, Peeke is a shutdown defenseman who plays a tough game. It would not be a terrible thing for the Sabres to strengthen their blue line.