The Sabres did not have a good year. I could use other adjectives, but I am trying to be nice. They had a 13-game losing streak at one point and missed the playoffs yet again. It is all the more confusing because the Sabres have a talented roster with the likes of Rasmus Dahlin, Joshua Norris and Alex Tuch, to name three.
Bowen Byram
Rumors have circulated regarding 23-year-old Bowen Byram's future in Buffalo. Things came to a head on May 23 when he officially requested a trade. Much like his time in Colorado, Byram was put on the back burner at times and was stuck behind other young defenders on the depth chart.
For the Penguins, Byram is 100% a player they should target. As for who the Sabres will want in return, I imagine it would be a hockey trade. The Sabres have plenty of young assets, but they probably want an established player to bolster their roster.
Here is a trade I would consider. The Penguins need to get younger, more physical, and all-around better on the blue line, and Byram fits that bill perfectly. There is also a pick swap, which will help the Penguins be in play for a better forward prospect. Also by moving off Raks, the Penguins can have more room to give young forwards such as Rutger McGroraty and Ville Koivunen ice time.
The Sabres would get a proven scorer with term on his deal. Alex Tuch is in the last year of his $ 4.75 million deal before he becomes a UFA. Teams will come calling for Tuch at the deadline, and I think he will likely be moved.