You know, right? There's no way buffalo is doing this. Taking two bonus years of ceci and wasting a retention spot (for jokiharju next year) for a late first. Arizona seems to be the best bet for taking garbage these days, although they are leaning pretty hard into the ltir type.

Ooh, just looked, cecis cap hit for the two bonus years is 6.5m, but he's actually owed 8m. Probably cross Arizona off the list too.

Obviously buffalo doesn't do this

@BUFF36
While Ceci as Power's partner could help the defense and an extra pick in next this year's draft is very enticing, Pegula would say no.
Zeitzev and OTT 2023 2nd would have been a better deal, but we missed on that one.

Adams has missed on a few cheaper options this year that might have helped are D

Our defense might be helped by goalies making saves as well.

Not black and white.

@sabres89, @Bostonbruins
Exactly.
What could be cheaper than adding a defenseman who is better than Bryson, Clague or Lyubushkin and getting a second in this draft?
If the Sabres would not take Zeitsev and a pick, they are not going to make even a ripple in this years TDL.
Things could change if they lose 3 of their next 5 or win 4 of the next 5.

OK big bold prediction, the Sabres bounce back and win tonight.
They finish with 89 pts but miss the playoffs.
Yes, I am an eternal optimist.

Sure, but maybe they don't have to make that save if you didn't turn the puck over 10 times in 1 period.

I mean I'm not disagreeing in theory, I would love to upgrade on Bryson, clague, Lyubushkin, and probably jokiharju to boot. I think my problem is the players you are picking- zaitsev and ceci have both been given the bums rush a few times now. I suppose the bar is pretty low if we are just trying to get better than our weakest links on d, and zaitsev and ceci have both been recipients of decent contracts in the past, contracts that their fan bases will likely tell you they never lived up to. Are these guys better than our weakest links, just overpaid?- probably, since it's costing assets to move them. I don't know, I guess I'd rather aim higher.

I get it, excellent points.
You are correct about Nikita, he was traded (dumped) by TML and now OTT has to use a high second to get him off of the payrole.
Yes a better defender would be optimum, but I do not want the Sabres to spend assets just to make the playoffs when they most likely will get knocked out in the first round.
Zaitsev and the second punches two tickets:
Sabres get a RHD with playoff experience for this and next year, while adding a good pick to build up their prospect pool.
Perfect trade for a rebuilding team looking to make the playoffs.