Funksoljah
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 1,229
Talent aside, what will inherently have more value to a team.
1. 1st line 2 way winger who has a history of going invisible for stretches in the playoffs. 2 years left until UFA and 26 years old.
or
2. 1st pairing Dman who can play either side, but no playoff experience yet. RFA after another season and 23 years old.
I'm taking the younger top pairing Dman, and I'm betting many others would as well. Buffalo needs Dahlin a lot more than they would need Marner. Dahlin fits the age curve of the team, where while only 3 years older Marner would be closer to the top end age range of the Sabres core. Meaning being in his prime right now is not ideal as most of the Sabres core haven't hit their prime years and won't for a couple more seasons.
Also, if Marner is sooooo much better..... Why are you trading him for Dahlin?