Quoting: DickFoligno
I've seen a lot of Coyotes fans really infatuted with Tage Thompson, not really sure why...although he's still an intriguing prospect
Most Sabre fans would prefer Risto, but the coach loves him, and for you guys he also has a bigger salary. Montour would probably be best for you guys because he is grossly miscast in Buffalo and every team in the league knows it.
I was thinking that the Sabres would likely want to clear one of the guys with 2 years left on their contract in order to make another run at Hall next year. Coyotes would also rather get a guy they like with term considering 4 of their 6 current defensemen expire after this season.
The way I see it, Thompson for Fischer is mostly a wash by their current play standards, perhaps Thompson has more upside but Fischer is better suited for a 4th line checking role. Sabres get a cheap top 4 D who can play the left side and a cheap starting goalie (when healthy) vs a top 4 dman and a second rounder. Perhaps the pick is too high, I think coyotes would still accept with a 3rd instead of 2nd.
EDIT: Also for what it’s worth the trade with Risto in it subtracts $75000 from Buffalo payroll. With Miller they’d increase their cap hit by like $1.5 mil or so (but again Raanta and Goligoski are on expiring contracts)