The Buffalo Sabers had a busy 2024 NHL offseason. They notably improved their forward depth, adding Jason Zucker, Sam Lafferty, Ryan McLeod, Beck Malenstyn and Nicolas Aube-Kubel. While they have certainly fulfilled their off-season goal of improving the bottom six, they are yet to sign another top six winger.
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That’s not to say the Sabers haven’t tried, as they were linked to several names earlier this offseason, including Martin Necas and Nikolaj Ehlers. However, at this point, they have yet to add that latest star to their group.
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As it is now August, negotiations in the NHL have calmed down and some big-name players who were previously in the rumor mill appear likely to remain where they are. However, while that is the case, one star continues to create buzz as we approach September: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine.
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The 26-year-old Laine requested a trade earlier this offseason, and now that he is out of the NHL’s player assistance program, a move before the start of the season is possible. With the Sabers in need of another top-six star, they should seriously consider targeting him.
If the Sabers were to acquire Laine, he would provide a huge boost to their top-six seed as they try to finally break their 13-year playoff drought. Additionally, he would give your power play a huge boost, as he is a dangerous scorer when playing at his best. This is evident from his combined 48 goals and 108 points in 111 games for the Blue Jackets during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
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The Sabers have money to work with as they have over $8 million in cap space. So, if the Blue Jackets are open to retaining a portion of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit through the end of the 2025-26 season, the Sabers could be an excellent option for him. It also doesn’t hurt that Buffalo has a strong set of prospects that could intrigue a rebuilding club like Columbus.
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