Pysyk has played well for us, and I’m pretty sure we wanna keep him
But I’d think a 2nd is enough to pull him away from the Sabres

Pysyk is a win-now player on a team that is not in win-now mode. But you're right, he's an analytical darling.

I can understand why Pysyk would want a chance to win
I’m sure the Sabres would understand that as well
But it doesn’t mean they aren’t gonna try to keep him

I’m not gonna hazard a guess on what means more to Pysyk….
a shot at winning the Cup this season
VS
the security of a multi-year deal with a team (and city) he’s familiar with

I could see him lean either way
In a perfect world, we could trade him to Tampa so he could hopefully win, & then we could bring him back in the offseason
We just risk other teams getting involved then
And I’d assume we wouldn’t want that

We cant afford Crouse's extension. While he is a pretty great target for this year he just isnt going to work past this one

I straight-up forgot Crouse got an extension.

Well he hasnt got one yet but he will likely get at least a 2M raise

Switched the trade to get Motte instead, could be a cheap buy-low if we choose to extend him.

I'll take the 2nd for Pysyk and run

I wouldn't mind getting Motte but he's at most worth a 3rd

The only problem I have with the Buffalo trade is the retention; we may need that for a larger move

Given the cap space that the other moves made, retention isn't fully necessary. Also, in my opinion, Pysyk is the best player on y'all's trade block.