All chess is 4d since it takes a long time to play the game. Not sure why these moves for the Sabres would classify.

1st round pick for Mittlestadt...LOL.

Find me a comparable player who’s 24 years old on a good contract, 50 point pace, who doesn’t get a 1st round pick in return. He’s taken a huge step this year

Then keep him if he is so good, because no team is giving you a 1st rounder for him.

Buffalo should not move for less than a first.
He is more successful as a LW play maker than playing center.
Remove the 14 game stretch from Nov 8 to Dec 7 and over the remaining 49 games he has 7 goals, 35 pts and is +3.
He is a good fore checker digging the puck away from the boards and 57% of his assists are primary.
He has done very well lately with Cozens and Hinostroza.
Once Tuch returns, one can only hope that he can stay with Dylan and Quinn.

The WHY trade him?

NSH declines here

Obviously you're not getting a 1st for Mittelstadt

Buffalo has already set themselves up really well. Krebs is slowly turning into the ideal third line center. Mitts is starting to produce as a playmaker who can score from time to time. All they really need to do is add a goaltender they can believe in. Levi might be that guy in a year or 2. They can be dominant without selling the future for the wrong pieces.

To add another good pick and make room for Savoie, Kulich, Rosen, Ostlund, etc.

Great, get ready to get a non 1st round pick for him.

these saros trades don't get any better, do they

“Remove his bad games and he’s been doing good” really?