This summer, the Buffalo Sabres added a number of forwards. On offense, they have added Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Nick Aube-Kubel, and Beck Malenstyn. They have undoubtedly increased the depth of their bottom six, but they still haven’t added a competent forward to their starting lineup.
All of the well-known free agents who entered the market at this point in the offseason have found new homes. As such, the Sabres will probably have to scour the trade market in order to add a talented forward before the season begins.
Nick Robertson of the Toronto Maple Leafs is one particular trade candidate that would be a very interesting addition to the Sabres’ lineup.
Notably, earlier in the offseason, 22-year-old Robertson asked the Maple Leafs for a trade. It makes sense because he has struggled to establish a consistent position for himself in the Maple Leafs starting lineup. Nevertheless, despite having few opportunities with the Maple Leafs, he has performed well.
Robertson had a strong scoring performance with the Maple Leafs this past season, setting new career highs with 14 goals, 13 assists, and 27 points. If signed, Robertson might have a good chance of playing regular middle-six minutes with the Sabres with numbers like these. Furthermore, he would be a great asset to the Sabres’ power play unit.
Despite being division rivals, the Sabres and Maple Leafs might be open to working together if the price is right. The Maple Leafs might be interested in a Robertson trade if the Sabres have a number of noteworthy prospects. Peyton Krebs, a previous first-round selection, is another player they may include in a possible trade.
