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The Buffalo Sabres are poised to extend their NHL-record playoff drought to 14 seasons. That’s generated speculation over which players could become trade candidates, with center Dylan Cozens and defenseman Bowen Byram at the center of the media chatter.
Alex Tuch could be added to the list. The 28-year-old right winger sits second among Sabres scorers with 43 points in 54 games, putting him on pace to exceed last season’s 59-point effort. He has a year left on his contract after this season, with an average annual value of $4.75 million and a five-team no-trade list.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post suggested the New Jersey Devils look into Tuch’s availability to address their need for more scoring punch. There’s no indication the Sabres are shopping Tuch, but if they are, they’ll prefer a 1-for-1 player swap.
Brooks also observed New Jersey forward Dawson Mercer has been struggling this season, with 25 points in 57 games. Maybe the Devils could use him as a trade chip for a scoring forward.
Related: The Buffalo Sabres Have An Important Decision To Make With Jason Zucker
Meanwhile, there’s been some talk over the possibility of John Gibson getting moved by the trade deadline. The 31-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender has been a fixture in the rumor mill for the past two years, but his contract remains a significant obstacle. He carries a $6.4-million cap hit through 2026-27 with a 10-team no-trade list.
David Staples of The Edmonton Journal recently cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman claiming the Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes are Gibson’s preferred trade destinations. Friedman said the veteran netminder wants to go where he’ll be “the guy” between the pipes, but he doesn’t know if partnering with Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner would work for Gibson.
The Hockey News’ Caleb Kerney said acquiring Gibson would not be a knock on Skinner or backup Calvin Pickard, but it would be a big addition for the Oilers nonetheless.
Staples’ colleague Kurt Leavins weighed in on the conjecture linking Gibson to the Oilers. He doesn’t see the Ducks goalie as an improvement over Skinner, citing his mediocre play in Anaheim over the last five seasons.
Related: NHL Trade Deadline: Middle-Six Centers Are All The Rage
Turning to the Montreal Canadiens, there’s a growing belief among the hockey punditry that Jake Evans will be moved by the trade deadline. The 28-year-old UFA-eligible center is among this season’s best penalty-killers. With 11 goals and 27 points in 56 games, he’s poised to break his previous career highs of 13 goals and 29 points.
On Feb. 9, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Evans and the Canadiens remain apart in contract talks, suggesting he’ll be moved by the deadline. With a cap hit of $1.7 million, Evans will attract interest from cap-strapped playoff contenders seeking an affordable bottom-six center. LeBrun said the Canadiens’ recent slide in the standings has increased the calls they’re receiving about him.
New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols believes Evans could fill the Devils’ third-line center role. Arpon Basu of The Athletic wondered what type of return the Canadiens could get if they packaged Evans with linemate and fellow UFA Joel Armia.
Not every pundit believes Evans is a goner. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie thinks there’s a real possibility he’ll re-sign with the Habs.
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