February 6, 2024 | 10:35pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

SABRES DEFENCEMAN JOHNSON GENERATING INTEREST

Erik Johnson, defenceman

The Buffalo Sabres are in selling mode, with multiple players attracting interest from playoff contenders around the league.

Sabres forwards Victor Olofsson, Zegmus Girgensons, Kyle Okposo and Eric Robinson, defenceman Erik Johnson and goaltender Eric Comrie are all playing on expiring contracts and most are candidates to be moved ahead of the March 8 trade deadline.

Johnson, 35, has Stanley Cup experience and has caught the attention of a new teams looking to bolster their blueline.

During Tuesday’s “Insider Trading” segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun reported the Sabres are expected to talk with Johnson and his agent about what direction he wants to take ahead of the deadline.

“He was brought into the Sabres because he’s a key leader for a young team. Now, obviously there’s a chance he gets dealt, but the Sabres haven’t committed to that just yet,” LeBrun said. “They want to have a conversation with him. They want to have a conversation with his agent, Pat Brisson, before deciding where they go there.”

Johnson does not own any formal no-trade protection, but given his position in the League, the Sabres prefer to move him to a contender he would be willing to join.

According to TFP’s David Pagnotta, the Sabres are expected to retain a portion of Johnson’s $3.25 million salary cap hit – up to 50 percent – if he is moved.