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Thoughts on the Blackhawks / Sabres trade?

July 10, 2019, 11:00 AM ET [16 Comments]
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In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the trade that saw Henri Jokiharju shipped to Buffalo in exchange for Alex Nylander.

Todd Cordell

I really like this deal for the Sabres. Their defense has been lacking talent for years. With the deadline acquistion of Brandon Montour, followed up by Colin Miller and now Jokiharju this off-season, they're quietly putting together a really solid group.

I know Jokiharju was fairly sheltered in the games he did play this past season, however, he garnered really encouraging results leading Blackhawks blueliners in Corsi For%, Expected Goals For%, and Scoring Chance For% at 5v5. He also produced at a 26-point pace on a per 82 basis, which is solid for a defender in his 19-year-old season. I think he is a fairly good bet to develop into a top-4 guy and really like this add for the Sabres.

I do like Alex Nylander – there's no doubting his skill level – but, given where he's at, I think the Sabres should've had to include a sweetener to get this deal done.

Adam French

I'm...confused. I understand this type of deal. I kind of expected it at some point from Chicago...but why Nylander? Nylander is still a good prospect. I know he's had some rough goes, but he's still a good prospect. Jokiharju is younger...better...and a Right Handed Defender. The primo of the NHL. I usually try my best to talk things through and give everything a fair shake but...

Maybe something went on behind the scenes...? I just don't get this one for Chicago other than trying to collect all of the misfit first rounders they can.

This deal can go either way with the ages and pedigrees of either player, but Buffalo has to be laughing at this one right now.

Tyler Cameron

Buffalo gets the better overall player here in Henri Jokiharju.

Due to injuries for Connor Murphy and Guastav Forsling last year, Jokiharju made the Hawks out of camp. He was primarily used by Joel Quenneville as a top 4 defenceman. That's a pretty good sign.

His NHL season was derailed when Jeremy Colliton took over and didn't see the same thing Coach Q did.

The Hawks opted to loan Jokiharju to Finland for the WJHC, then after winning gold, he headed to Rockford and remained there for the year.

I really liked what I saw in the young Finnish defender and believe he is slated for a top 4 NHL role as soon as next year. That is, after the Sabres figure out their logjam on the right-side.

In Alex Nylander, the trend of acquiring former 1st round picks continue for Stan Bowman. It worked with Dylan Strome and the Blackhawks better hope it works for Nylander or this trade is going to look real bad.

Nylander has a high-risk, high-reward potential and if he can find his way into the top 6 in Chicago, he could flourish. I mean, who wouldn't on a line with Patrick Kane or Alex DeBrincat.

I do have some concerns about Nylander's progression the last couple of years. I don't think the Sabres handled him properly, however, if the rumours about Nylander's lazy and disinterested play are true when he shows up in Chicago, he won't last long in the NHL.

So, Sabres win this one in my opinion.

Bowman forced this trade and moving Jokiharju was not needed. I would have rather seen him play 22+ minutes a night in Rockford vs. moving him at this point.

Alex Nylander... feel free to prove me wrong!

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