The Buffalo Sabres are on the brink of a historic shift, and three players might find themselves packing their bags sooner than expected. After a stunning road victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Sabres are no longer just playoff contenders—they're poised to be serious buyers at the NHL trade deadline for the first time in nearly 15 years. But here's where it gets controversial: not every player on the roster is guaranteed a spot in this evolving lineup. While some are thriving, others might be on the chopping block, not necessarily due to poor performance, but because they're expendable in the pursuit of upgrading the team.
Jack Quinn is perhaps the most intriguing case. At 24, he’s shown glimpses of the skill needed to be a 30-goal scorer in the NHL, but inconsistency has held him back. With 38 points in 60 games, he’s on track to surpass his career-high 39 points from last season, yet the question remains: will he ever live up to the top-six potential many envisioned? His Achilles injury is behind him, but his inability to find that 'next gear' could make him an attractive trade piece for a team seeking a middle-six forward with untapped potential. And this is the part most people miss: the Sabres might be willing to part ways with their 2020 8th overall pick if it means securing a more immediate impact player.
Jordan Greenway, on the other hand, is a different kind of disappointment. He was never expected to be a top-six scorer, but his size, speed, and tenacity made him a valuable asset. However, recurring injuries, including hernia surgery in 2024, have limited him to just 67 games over the past two seasons. While he’s a solid bottom-six player with offensive upside, his injury history could make him a risky acquisition. Still, a team desperate for depth might take a chance on his potential, even if he’s not game-ready immediately.
Then there’s Jacob Bryson, the most obvious candidate for a trade. As a No. 6/7 defenseman, his underwhelming performance this season hasn’t been catastrophic for the Sabres, but it’s clear he’s fallen out of favor with head coach Lindy Ruff. Averaging a career-low 10:02 of ice time per game, Bryson’s value is minimal, likely fetching only a late-round pick at best. If the Sabres acquire more defensive depth, he’ll probably be sent down—or out of town entirely.
Despite these potential departures, the Sabres have been a success story this season, with standout performances from players like Mattias Samuelsson. Considering the team’s injury woes, their achievements are even more impressive. At this stage, Jack Quinn is the only one remotely likely to be traded, as the Sabres aim to strengthen, not weaken, their roster. But Greenway and Bryson’s days in Buffalo seem numbered, even if finding takers proves challenging.
Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Should the Sabres prioritize short-term gains by trading these players, or hold onto them in hopes of unlocking their potential? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
