Riga connection

Pittsburgh first round pick is interesting because they are either going to miss or be a first round exit, but they don’t need Blueger, and they won’t trade Olofsson he’s on pace for 34 goals this season.

I think it really could depend on how the next 5 games go before the TDL. This could really be a make or break stretch for the Sabres playoffs hopes. If they lose ground during this stretch it's possible they could part with Vic. He's scoring, but he's also a net negative 5v5 and may not be a player they envision as part of their core. Retooling the bottom 6 is something that needs to be considered to inject a little more defensive ability and grit into the line-up.

BUF10
This could be a classic win-win to put both teams into the play offs.
Buffalo needs help on the PK, Blueger and PIT can use some additional scoring, Olofsson.
You know as bad as the game was yesterday, if Buffalo could have prevented the second period PP goal by TML, the outcome may have been different.
Pulling a GK when a team needs two goals to tie, may not instill much confidence to over come that deficite.
If it was only one goal, maybe Buffalo could have pulled it out.

If Hextall would be willing to trade the 2023 first, even if the Sabres did not make the playoffs this year, having 5 picks in the first two rounds this year would be exciting.
Plus there is that Riga connection with Girgensons.
If Hextall offered this to Karmanos, Jason would strongly consider it.