We're underway on NHL deadline day, where the Sabres are expected to be active with several names floating around the Twitter rumour mill. I'll be updating this page regularly with rumours (hopefully all from verified accounts) and analysis on all things Sabres today.
9:30 AM- Carolina showing interest in Trocheck
Sounds like CAR has some interest in Vincent Trocheck.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 24, 2020
Not good news if you were hoping the Sabres could swing a deal for Trocheck before 3 PM. Carolina's got the assets to pull this off and it makes a lot of sense for them if they decided to move their current third line centre Erik Haula.
10:10- Carolina and Florida progressing towards Trocheck deal
CAR/FLA deal being worked on....Trocheck part of it, Priskie to FLA
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 24, 2020
Priskie was top 10 in EV goals among all NCAA d-men. Of his 16 EV points(top 20), 14 were primary(top 5).
— Highpress Hockey (@Highpresshockey) April 3, 2019
And a RHD to boot. He'll get a ton of attention and for good reason. #Sabres should be all over this. https://t.co/fGoHam9o7t
Priskie had a terrific college career dominating at even strength and has had a very good first year with the Charlotte Checkers. Wallmark, Haula and another prospect go the other way as well. It's quantity over quality for the Panthers here which is unusual for a team making a playoff push. Have to wonder if Priskie gets his first call up to the NHL.
The question on every Sabres fans mind is "could they have matched that?" It's not quite as clear cut to answer. For one thing, we're not sure what the angle was for the Panthers, perhaps they were looking for multiple pieces, not just one NHL player. The Sabres also don't have a right shot defensemen in their prospect pool that has the same upside as Priskie.
11:52 AM Sabres acquire Wayne Simmonds
Sounds like Wayne Simmonds to BUF #SNTrade
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 24, 2020
Wayne Simmonds is Bottom 5 in both CF% and XGF% on the New Jersey Devils. That's all you really need to know about this move.
2:30 PM Sabres deal Rodrigues and Sheary to PIT for Domink Kahun
It’s Rodrigues and Conor Sheary to PIT for Dominik Kahun. https://t.co/Peits2IqNR
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 24, 2020
This is a solid deal, much better than the first of the day. Kahun is the youngest player in the deal and has shown some decent upside on the Penguins. Evan Rodrigues finally gets his trade request granted and the Sabres also move former Penguin and pending UFA Conor Sheary back to Pittsburgh. Sheary has been solid despite the low point total so this stings a bit but Kahun definitely fits the Sabres timeline better.
Kahun, in return to Buffalo, is also decent; and the youngest player involved too. pic.twitter.com/j5wGppXIms
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) February 24, 2020
3PM- Deadline passes, Sabres unable to complete rumoured third deal
Analysis on an eventful day will come later today or tomorrow, thanks for tuning in!