On the Buffalo Sabres …
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Looking at who the Buffalo Sabres could trade before the February 29th deadline.Jamie McGinn – The pending UFA will be the Sabres most attractive rental. He carries a $2.95 million cap hit. GM Tim Murray has talked with McGinn’s agent about an extension. They could trade him at the deadline and then look to sign him in the offseason.
Chad Johnson – The pending UFA goalie carries a $1.3 million cap hit and has posted a 13-14-3 record with a 2.50 GAA and .916 save percentage.Mike Weber – Is a pending UFA with a $1.667 million cap hit. He was a combined -51 the previous two seasons, but has turned his game around on the third pairing and should get some interest.
David Legwand – The pending UFA carries a $3 million cap hit. Has 11 points this year and has improved the Sabres penalty kill.
Carlo Colaiacovo – The pending UFA has been the Sabres seventh defenseman, playing in only 21 games. He carries a $900,000 cap hit.
Marcus Foligno and Johan Larsson – Both are pending RFAs and haven’t put up the offensive numbers the Sabres had hoped – 15 points for Foligno and 6 for Larsson. Foligno (26) carries a $1.875 million cap hit and Larsson (23) carries a $800,000 cap hit.
Tyler Ennis – ESPN reported that the Sabres get regular calls on Ennis. He signed a front-loaded five-year, $23 million deal in 2014. His cap hit is $4.6 million for the next three years, but he’s owed $3.65 million per season.
Cody Franson – Carries a $3.325 million cap hit through next year. He has four goals and 13 assists so far this season.
On the New Jersey Devils …
- Rich Chere of NJ.com: Five players the Devils could trade if they become sellers.Eric Gelinas – Seems to be the odd man out and could be moved. Has the assets that teams are looking for. May not fit into the Devils long-term plans.
David Schlemko – Has been an unsung hero for the Devils, but he’s a pending UFA, and contending teams like veteran defensemen. Unless it looks like the Devils have real shot at the playoffs, will be hard for GM Ray Shero to resist trading him.Lee Stempniak – Teams will inquire about the pending UFA. They could get a draft pick or prospect back, but would lose an important player. If the Devils fall out of the race, it’s likely they would trade him.
Stefan Matteau – Does he fit into their long-term plans? If so, where does he fit in? They wouldn’t trade him for nothing, but what could they get for him if they they don’t see him fitting in?
Jordin Tootoo – He’s a pending UFA. Teams would be interested in him for his speed, physical play and protection for teammates.