Quoting: jordanrules
The issue with this trade is the sabres are in need of impact top 6 forwards, any trade that includes Kulich will see him packaged with other assets to acquire something big. There isn't much value for the sabres in the pieces you're giving us - bottom pair defensemen are easy to find. You're trying to trade away expendable pieces for A-level prospect. I mean, come on, you can't be shocked sabres fans are shooting this down easily.
First off, I appreciate your response. I will share my perspective which I'm sure you won't agree with, but hopefully can share some insights into my thinking:
In his 1st AHL season Kulich averaged 0.74 PPGs as a forward. In his 2nd AHL season he is averaging 1.0 PPGs.
By contrast Mailloux is currently averaging 0.6 PPGs as a defensemen, with limited power play time (and playing on a bottom feeding team).
It feels genuinely like Sabres fans feel Kulich is the next Elias Pettersson... He's pretty good. PPG stats in the AHL are OK. But honestly, if he was an A prospect, wouldn't he be in the NHL right now? The Habs have Josh Roy for example. He is currently averaging more points in his AHL rookie season than Kulich was, but we do not believe he will necessarily be a 1st line player.
Yes it's intriguing that he did it as an 18/19 year old, but I maintain that if he was the player you think he is, he would be playing in Buffalo today.