Rumor: More Penguins and Sabres trade rumblings

It’s no secret that the Buffalo Sabres are in a free-fall. Just one quarter into the 2017-18 season and Sabres are in the basement of the NHL standings once again. Rookie GM Jason Botterill is on the hot seat already and is expected to make a move or two in advance of the NHL’s February 26th trade deadline. 

In his latest article for FanSided’s Pens Labyrinth, Pittsburgh Penguins blogger Samual Campbell takes a look at some interesting trade scenarios between the Penguins and Sabres and comes up with an intriguing proposition. It’s no secret that the Pens are looking for some stability down the ice, particularly in the 3rd line spot. Ryan O’Reilly is an intriguing target, but it’s unlikely he’ll accept a diminished role after playing top-six minutes in Buffalo. Fourth line grinder Johann Larsson doesn’t offer much of an upgrade for the Pens… but then there’s 22-year-old Sam Reinhart.

The former 2nd overall pick has got off to a sputtering start in his NHL career and could be afforded the opportunity to come along more slowly in Buffalo. But, do the Pens have the assets to make an enticing offer? It would take some serious finessing from GM Jim Rutherford, but don’t be surprised if you begin to hear more rumors linking the Sabres to Reinhart between now and the NHL’s February 26th trade deadline.