NHL insider reveals why Sabres backed off goalie trade with Oilers
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
Incoming Sabres' GM Jarmo Kekalainen believes his team is good enough to qualify for the post-season this year, and doesn't wish to disrupt the team's chemistry - he likely won't trade away a goalie.
On a new edition of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman made the following comment about the Buffalo Sabres:
New GM Jarmo Kekalainen, while challenging Buffalo's players to make the playoffs, recognized he took over during a three-game win streak (now four thanks to a Thursday win over Philadelphia). The Sabres haven't always felt great about themselves over the last few years, but now is one of those times, and you can lose your room if the first thing you do is disrupt that. Don't be an immediate buzzkill.
- Elliotte Friedman
- Elliotte Friedman
Sabres continue winning ways with new GM
As of today, the Sabres are on a 5-game win streak, and are 7-3-0 in their last ten games.
They sit about 5-points out of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
New GM Kekalainen is right in believing his team can qualify for the playoffs; it's the best chance they've had in the last fourteen seasons.
He's also correct in thinking the Sabres have the talent to do it. They are deep up the middle with Josh Norris, Tage Thompson, and Ryan McLeod. Mattias Samuelsson is also playing his best hockey.
In a report last week, analyst Jeff Marek suggested that Buffalo's GM might be open to trade goaltender Alex Lyon to the Oilers.
Except, that likely won't happen for several reasons, beyond what Friedman reported above.
Lyon has played the most games this season with 17 and holds a .906 SV% and a 2.92 GAA. He is the team's best goaltender at the moment and the best bet to get his team wins.
According to reports, Kekalainen has publicly challenged his players to make the extra effort for a playoff-push.
With that said, and if the team continues to win games, the Sabres GM will more likely be a buyer, rather than a seller at the NHL trade-deadline.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 590 ANSWERS NHL insider reveals why Sabres backed off goalie trade with Oilers Will the Oilers find another trade partner for a goalie deal? | ||
| yes | 388 | 65.8 % |
| no | 202 | 34.2 % |
| List of polls | ||