Among the talented players on their roster is Victor Olofsson, a skilled sniper who has faced inconsistent playing time and even spent some games as a healthy scratch.
Trade rumors surrounding Olofsson have persisted since before the summer, and with his unrestricted free agency looming at the end of the season, the Sabres may need to make a decision about his future.
Despite Olofsson's $4.75 million average annual value (AAV) cap hit, the Sabres have the flexibility to retain half of that amount in a potential trade.
This makes Olofsson an attractive option for teams seeking offensive contributions at a reasonable cost.
While his current season stats show four goals and 12 points, Olofsson has demonstrated his scoring prowess in the NHL, reaching the 20-goal mark three times in his four-year career, including a career-best 28 goals.
Given the Sabres' youthful direction, Olofsson may find himself without ample opportunities on the team.
Trade discussions might have occurred in the past, but a suitable deal may not have materialized due to various factors.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Sabres could find a more favorable market or a team in need of offensive reinforcements.
One potential destination for Olofsson is the New York Rangers, a team dealing with injuries and looking to strengthen their bottom-six.
When Filip Chytil returns to the lineup, the Rangers may prioritize wing depth over center assistance.
Olofsson could be a valuable addition to the Rangers, contributing to their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
As the trade deadline nears, the Rangers might consider bolstering their lineup, particularly in the bottom-six, unless unforeseen circumstances dictate a different strategy.
As seen on NHLTR
POLL | ||
Should the Rangers acquire this sniper? | ||
Yes | 184 | 65.7 % |
No | 96 | 34.3 % |
List of polls |