I think the Sabres would do that

Portillo is a good prospect, but he might not sign with us
And if we’re willing to take on Matt Murray, I’m sure we’d be ok with Varlamov

Supposedly Lou doesn’t wanna move him though?

he says he doesn’t, but i wonder if that’s just “step up your offer” signaling to other GMs. now that they have romanov the “need another russian for sorokin” thing isn’t as relevant since them two are already friends.

Yeah, it certainly could be posturing on Lou’s part
If that’s the case, and he’s just trying to get the best offer for Varlamov, i don’t think it’ll come from the Sabres
Good chance another team would beat our offer imo

I think Washington, Buffalo and maybe Toronto or Edmonton (if he waives which is possible since it was February and they made it to the conference final that could change his mind) i think he can fetch a late first or a 2nd and a spec idk if Lou wants a goalie back in the deal or if he would go to free agency and get one. But I think Sabres would give a 2nd and a spec for him they seem pretty serious about competing this season

Buffalo accepts imo

U aren’t gonna get a 1st from anyone for him
Not unless teams miss out on the goalie they want & a bidding war happens (seems unlikely though)

We do have three 2nds next year, but idk that we’d move one of them- maybe? But maybe not also

I highly doubt we’d do Portillo & a 2nd though
That seems very unlikely imo

I mean it’s somewhat likely if teams don’t want to overpay for a FA he’s really their only good option left to trade for I think a low 1st is a solid price for him do I think he will get that no can he though? for sure. I can definitely see a high 2nd and a back up goalie for him tho

Well that’s the “homer” in you talking
But i guess we’ll see