[CliffFletcher]

The Sabre’s original ask was apparently the value of four 1st round picks. Nobody met that price. So something more like the value of three 1sts seems plausible. And whether they like it or not, the Sabres will have to take salary back. Likely something in the neighbourhood of $5 mil.

What does that deal look for the Ducks and Flames?

Ducks

Josh Manson/Jakob Silvferberg
Mason McTavish
Olen Zellweger

The Sabres are desperately thin on RD and could use what Manson brings to the table. Would be a good partner for Dahlin. Has only one year left on his contract, but that might be good thing for the Sabres if they can flip him at the deadline and free up cap. Alternatively, Silvferberg if they’re looking for a skilled and reliable winger to play with their young centres.

McTavish is the centrepiece, a big, two-way prospect who projects as a #2 C.

Zellweger was an early 2nd rounder in 2021 (34 OA) and is a legit puck-carrying d prospect.

Flames

Monahan / Andersson
Coronato
Dube
2022 1st (unprotected)

In Monahan, the Sabres get help up the middle to insulate their young centres. Or of they don’t like Monahan, Andersson gives them a young RD who can play with Dahlin.

Coronato has the highest ceiling of Flames prospects, but sub in Zary or Pelletier here if that’s who the Sabres like.

Dube makes up for the lack of truly high-end prospect going the Sabres way. Also makes Eichel’s cap hit more manageable for the Flames.

Without a blue chip prospect coming their way, the Sabres will insist on the Flames’ pick being unprotected. The Flames probably ask for something coming back in that scenario, like a 2nd.


I think the Ducks would have the inside track on a deal, because they can offer a genuinely blue-chip prospect (even without including Zegras or Drysdale). But the Flames are in the mix if the Sabres resign themselves to quantity over quality.