We’re only a few days away from the March 8 trade deadline, so this means more NHL rumours. Time is running out for general managers to shore up their respective lineups for a Stanley Cup Playoff push. Other team executives are ready to unload assets and hit the reset button on the future. Trade deadline action has been slow, but one never knows when business will pick up. Today’s NHL rumours will focus on the Winnipeg Jets and the Buffalo Sabres.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Winnipeg Jets
Rumour: Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre of The Winnipeg Free Press speculated on what the Jets might have left to do at the deadline.
The NHL trade deadline is less than a week away.
Who might be on the #NHLJets radar?
In our latest edition of Dump & Chase, @WiebesWorld and I look at 8 potential targets in detail, plus another 8 skaters to keep an eye on.https://t.co/OZ8SmXlWlS
— Mike McIntyre (@mikemcintyrewpg) March 2, 2024
Analysis: General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff started the party when he got Sean Monahan from the Montreal Canadiens. However, the Jets may not be done wheeling and dealing before Friday afternoon. Other teams in the Western Conference like the Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks have already made their respective moves to bolster their rosters. Does Cheveldayoff have another move in him over the next few days?
Both Jets writers think that Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Sean Walker and the team have been an item for a number of months. Conversely, Philadelphia is still in the mix for a post-season berth. Do the Flyers really hit eject on a season that’s been a pleasant surprise?
Forwards like Anthony Mantha and Reilly Smith were also bandied about in the trade deadline roundup. Both of these players may not take as much to be had by March 9. The Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins may have to be sellers once again.
Wiebe and McIntyre also mentioned that bigger names like Pavel Buchnevich, Jordan Eberle, or even Vladimir Tarasenko. However, the Jets may not have the assets to make that deal happen.
Winnipeg is one of the better defensive teams in the league. In contrast, they might need to add some offensive pop. Teams can’t win every game 2-1 or 3-2 and adding scoring would help the Jets out a ton.
Buffalo Sabres
Rumour: Michael Augello of the Hockey News said that the Sabres would do right by Erik Johnson at the upcoming deadline.
Analysis: The Buffalo Sabres seem to be out of it once again at the upcoming trade deadline. This means the club will likely be selling off a number of veteran players with expiring contracts. Johnson signed a one-year deal with the club over the summer and makes $3.25 million. Buffalo knows it could probably get something for the veteran blueliner.
The Sabres have played a bit better since the All-Star Break. However, it’s too little too late to get the team back into the Stanley Cup Playoff race. Johnson did say that he would be open to moving on if General Manager Kevyn Adams approached the 35-year-old with a trade offer. Adams would like to do right by Johnson or any other long-time player who would like to go to a contending team.
Johnson, a Bloomington, Minnesota native, has been in this situation at the deadline. He understands there’s plenty of uncertainty in the coming days. The veteran defenceman told the media that he’s going to take things one day at a time despite the cliché intonations. A veteran like Johnson could be a solid bottom-pair of depth defender for a contending club.
Changes are coming once again on the back of another disappointing season in Western New York. However, players like Johnson could play a hand in helping a contending club get the help it needs in the spring. Despite the speculation, Johnson’s exit from the Queen City isn’t set in stone.
Main photo by: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
