The Buffalo Sabres have had a busy summer, but it would not be surprising if they were open to making one more move. It is no secret that they could use another skilled winger before the start of the season, especially after coming inches away from acquiring Martin Necas from the Carolina Hurricanes earlier this summer.
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Unfortunately, since free agency started one month ago, all the big-name players available have found their new homes. Thus, if the Sabres want to add talent, the trade market may be their best bet.
One player who the Sabres should keep an eye on, whether it is during this summer or the season, is Calgary Flames winger Andrei Kuzmenko. The 28-year-old is entering the final season of his deal, and the Flames have not been afraid to trade players. Since last season, they have traded Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov, Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin, Andrew Mangiapane, and Jacob Markstrom.
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Kuzmenko was one of the pieces that the Flames landed from the Vancouver Canucks in last season’s Lindholm trade. At that point of the season, Kuzmenko’s production was a bit down for his standards, as he recorded eight goals and 21 points in 43 games. However, after being dealt to the Flames, he was marvelous, posting 14 goals and 25 points in 28 games.
Besides his post-trade production with the Flames, Kuzmenko also showed he can be an impactful top-six forward during his rookie year with the Canucks. In 81 games during the 2022-23 season, he had 39 goals and 74 points.
If the Sabres acquired Kuzmenko, he would have the potential to give their top six and power play a nice boost. Therefore, if the Flames make him available during the offseason or regular season, the Sabres should have him on their radar.
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