June 22, 2025 | 11:57am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

SABRES AGGRESSIVELY EXPLORING TRADE MARKET

J.J. Peterka, forward

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the Buffalo Sabres this month, and the smoke continues to thicken.

With the NHL Draft five days away, activity across the NHL has picked up, with some signings and trades already announced following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta wrote about on Saturday, more action is expected all week and going into free agency.

For the Sabres, they expect to be active, and GM Kevin Adams has been working the phones.

Forward J.J. Peterka and defenceman Bowen Byram are at the top of the rumour mill, and for good reason. Both players are open to a change of scenery and teams continue to express significant interest in them.

The Sabres have also been actively shopping defenceman Mattias Samuelsson, who is entering the third season of a seven-year contract.

According to multiple sources, the Sabres are hesitant to move Peterka but continue to explore options. The Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Tampa Bay Lightning are just a handful of teams that have reached out about his availability.

Adams is not interested in moving Peterka or Byram for future assets, and any moves he completes involving any of his key pieces will result in immediate help and NHL talent coming to Buffalo. The Sabres are looking to add two top-six forwards this off-season, with a No.2 centre believed to be atop their wish list.

The Sabres have been linked to Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi, who is set to become a restricted free agent July 1 and currently ranks No.5 on TFP’s Summer Trade Watch List.

Teams have also inquired about winger and local product Alex Tuch, but the Sabres are not motivated to trade him unless a club overpays for his services.

Tuch, 29, is entering the final year of a seven-year, $33.25 million contract and is eligible to sign an extension July 1.

As per Pagnotta, the Sabres have not yet engaged in contract negotiations with Tuch’s camp as of Sunday morning, but that is mainly due to their attention focused elsewhere for the time being. Talks are expected this summer, providing he is not moved due to another team paying a premium to acquire him.

The Sabres have more than $23.2 million in salary cap space going into the 2025-26 campaign and will continue to be active past the NHL Draft and into free agency.