Team: 2019-20 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: Jul. 4, 2019

Published: Jul. 4, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

WHAT TO DO:
1. Improve offensive balance
2. Stabilize defensive corps
3. Upgrade bottom 6 depth
4. Add locker room leadership
HOW TO DO: Trades
WHYS:
Trade # 1 - WPG/BUF:
Sabres add top 6 offensive winger with term for 2nd line scoring;
Jets add top 4 RHD with offensive skill to replace Trouba's contributions and TOI, young RW with offensive upside and $5M of cap space needed for re-signing Laine/Connor.

Trade # 2: AZ / BUF:
Sabres acquire cap space and mid-round draft pick while alleviating logjam at LHD;
Coyotes add veteran defenseman that Housley trusts and is familiar with.

Trade # 3 - EDM/BUF:
Sabres add veteran center with offensive creativity and decent speed; as a stopgap until Mittelstadt is ready to assume 2C role, Gagner could thrive in greater role under his former coach Krueger; low risk commitment for Buffalo on expiring contract;
Oilers get younger 2-way winger with physical edge for their bottom 6 to replace where they used Gagner and save $1.5M of cap space.

Trade # 4 - LA/BUF:
Sabres add 2-way RW for 1st line with playoff success; being from Toronto, Toffoli could thrive playing close to home just as Skinner did. Sabres add young bottom 6 center with speed and PK skills;
Kings replace Toffoli with faster LW at same age with playoff success but less cap hit, plus young 2-way center on ELC for bottom 6. Teams swap 4th rounders. Typical 'change-of-scenery' trade for both teams.

Trade # 5 - FLA/BUF:
Sabres acquire RHD for partner to Pilut on 3rd pairing, with good transition and skating skills;
Panthers add bottom 6 winger and 6/7 RHD on affordable contract while shedding $1.5M of cap space and freeing up roster spot on 3rd pairing for young Josh Brown to team again with McKenzie Weegar.

Trade # 6 - OTT/BUF:
Sabres acquire 3rd round draft pick for 4C and 4th rounder;
Senators add depth center for PK and checking role in bottom 6 and mid-round pick.

Free Agency:
Sabres re-sign RFAs McCabe, Rodrigues and Ullmark for Buffalo.

Sabres waive Sobotka and Hunwick prior to training camp, with demotion to AHL saving $1.075M x 2 = $2.1M.

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