March 3, 2024 | 11:58pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
SABRES COULD BE ACTIVE THIS WEEK
Kyle Okposo, forward
With six current roster players set to become unrestricted free agents July 1, the Buffalo Sabres could make multiple moves ahead of Friday’s 3pm ET trade deadline.
Forwards Kyle Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons, Victor Olofsson and Eric Robinson, defenceman Erik Johnson, and goaltender Eric Comrie are all playing on expiring contracts and are eligible to become UFAs this summer.
Johnson and Olofsson have been the subject of the most speculation this season, but the Sabres seem open to exploring moves for all six players, none of whom own any no-trade protection.
“I’ve been in this situation plenty of times,” Girgensons told The Associated Press on Sunday after the club’s 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. “So, it’s nothing new to me. I don’t really get too stressed out anymore.”
According to The AP, Girgensons and Okposo have both informed Sabres GM Kevin Adams about their desires ahead of the deadline, but would not reveal those discussions publicly.
The Sabres have all three salary retention slots available to them if Adams desires to retain a portion of a contract to help facilitate a trade. Buffalo could also take back a contract in a deal, as well.
In the case of Johnson, TFP reported last month that the Sabres will consult with him on where he could end up, even though he does not own a no-trade or no-movement clause. This remains the case and is believed to be similar to the arrangement the Sabres also have with Okposo.
The Sabres currently with 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 29-29-4 record through 62 games.