Sabres still hope to re-sign Skinner
Pierre LeBrun: The Sabres remain hopeful that they can re-sign pending UFA forward Jeff Skinner. Contract talk is expected to happen next week at the draft combine.
WGR 550: Luke Fox on Skinner: “Once you waited this long, I don’t know why you wouldn’t see it out. Don’t think he’s ruled out Buffalo, but when you put up the numbers he put up, he’ll be the most valuable winger on the market next to Panarin.”
Could the Sabres take on a short, bad contract?
WGR 550: Fox on the Sabres: “This is a year where you can try to poach something value, while taking the Ryan Callahan contract from Tampa. It’s a good option.”
Sabres may not want to trade Ristolainen … Some options if they do
WGR 550: Darren Dreger on WGR 550 on the Buffalo Sabres: “I don’t get the sense that the #Sabres are keen on trading Rasmus Ristolainen. It may be a media-driven story, but if there’s interest on Ristolainen at any point, Jason Botterill will certainly listen.”
Joe Yerdon of The Athletic: Polling some Athletic writers for some potential trade options if the Buffalo Sabres look to move defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
Edmonton Oilers – Ristolainen may not be a fit for the Oilers with Adam Larsson and some right-handed defensemen close to being ready.
Would the Sabres be willing to take on Milan Lucic‘s salary? The Oilers need to move out some salary – Andrej Sekera, Kris Russell and maybe Matt Benning. Can’t see the Oilers wanting move Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, their No. 8 pick in the draft, or forward prospect Tyler Benson. They might be willing to move defensemen Ethan Bear or William Lagesson.
Winnipeg Jets – Would think the Jets would be interested. Tyler Myers is a UFA and they could trade RFA Jacob Trouba.
The Jets may prefer to move prospects likes of Mason Appleton, Logan Stanley, Luke Green, or Declan Chisholm over Jack Roslovic, Kristian Vesalainen or Sami Niku.
Vancouver Canucks – A right-handed defenseman may be near the top of GM Jim Benning‘s wish list.
Jake Virtanen has already been in the rumor mill. They have prospects in Adam Gaudette, Tyler Madden and Kole Lind. The Canucks wouldn’t want to move their first-round pick.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Have only five defensemen under contract and could use a right-handed one. Would need to move salary the other way.
Ryan Callahan is from Rochester, NY. Tyler Johnson was a center before moving to the wing and is a $5 million cap hit for another three years.
Prospects could include Taylor Raddysh, Boris Katchouk, Carter Verhaeghe, Alex Barre-Boulet, and Alex Volkov.
Philadelphia Flyers – They are looking for top-four right-handed defenseman, but may not be the type of player they are looking for.
If they see a fit, wouldn’t want to give up roster players. Prospects not named Philippe Myers, Morgan Frost or Joel Farabee. They may move their first round pick, but likely not for Ristolainen.
Colorado Avalanche – Don’t need a right-handed defenseman anymore.
Calgary Flames – They have too many defensemen already.