Don't see Buffalo doing this Huberdeau at even 7x5 is a major risk and 1st isn't enough to cover it imho

You can’t retain more than 50%. And with 50% retained I’d bet you wouldn’t have to pay a 1st+ to dump him.

$5.25 million is still a lot of money for people hang onto a guy who might score 40 points. You’d have to give up an unprotected first for someone to eat that contract at the length it’s on. Buffalo can pay Casey Mittelstadt less money and get more production out of him instead.

It is a lot of money. But there’s still a guy somewhere in there that has been a 100 point player. The term is a risk. But 5.25m is 2nd liner money and on the low end of it. I’d personally take that risk.

Of all the ~150 players involved in retained salary transactions, only three have been retained for 6+ years (Luongo, Kessel, Ekman-Larsson). Each saw about 10-15% held back. I think that is probably a realistic figure to serve as the limit.

I don't think the Sabres would have interest, but I would think at least a few teams would be interested at that price.

I think it's fair - which isn't the same thing as being a smart deal for the Sabres but I could see some possibilities