Rumor: Sabres and Penguins linked in trade talks

There have been reports for weeks now that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Alex Galchenyuk, a key part in the Phil Kessel trade with the Arizona Coyotes this past offseason, has found his way onto the trade block. 

The 25 year old former 3rd overall pick (2012 NHL Entry Draft) has struggled in Pittsburgh, despite receiving some plum playing time with superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Galchenyuk has just two goals and 10 points in 22 games. His career high came in 2015-16 when he potted 30 goals and 56 points with the Montreal Canadiens, the team who drafted him.

So… if Galchenyuk is indeed slated to play for his fourth team in just three seasons, who will it be? Where will he end up?

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that the Buffalo Sabres have interest and that the Ottawa Senators have also been mentioned in trade talks.

Check out this comment from Friedman taken from his latest 31 Thoughts Podcast for Sportsnet:

“I’ve heard Buffalo. I think there’s something to it, I think the Sabres are considering it. They were looking for a forward anyway. I’ve heard Ottawa but people poo-pooed that, so we’ll see.”

Interestingly enough, the Sabres have also put defenseman Zach Bogosian on the trade block following a trade request. Could there be a match between these two franchises? Obviously Sabres GM Jason Botterill still has strong ties to the Penguins organization and both he and Pens GM Jim Rutherford have been known to do business in the past. 

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire?