Eakin is the Sabres best faceoff man and knows the coach as we went to the finals with him a couple years ago. The Rangers need to improve at the faceoff dot as one of their needs and Eakin could be a nice bottom six add for a playoff run.

The Red Wings have a last wildcard playoff spot in reach, they need to be more physical though, and Robert Hagg is the Sabres most physical defenseman who will have some trade value. I don’t think the Red Wings will do anything overly crazy, but this should be a decent affordable pickup

Buffalo has been linked to Khubodin and may look to add one more veteran goaltender to the fold not for this year, but next year as well. The Sabres would move forward with UPL, Anderson (when he returns), Khubodin, and Subban with Tokarski returning to the AHL for sure. Anderson is a huge question mark at this point. Khubodin could be an option for next season to compete with Subban for backup responsibilities.

Buffalo also acquires Hakanpaa and makes a move for the next couple years. Hakanpaa has size, is a physical stat-at-home and is more capable of playing a top four role if needed as a partner for Dahlin or Power next year, than a guy like Hagg who is best suited for the bottom pair. He has two years left.

Dallas may be sellers at the TDL, but they are still in the wildcard hunt and have a shot at the playoffs. They need scoring help however, and to clear some cap space. I don’t expect them to do anything crazy in terms of buying , so Vinnie Hinostroza works here as an affordable option, and Colin Miller’s expiring contract goes the other way too help fill Hakanpaa’s spot.