Pros: Great player both offensively and defensively that would upgrade the sabres instantly, the exact type of player we need. The best option available based on production and future cap.

Cons: I don't think the trade price matters cuz the Sabres could realistically offer whatever it would take. The biggest negative here is Buch's future contract based on his age. Do we want to sign a guy to a big, expensive contract going into his age 30 season when we have a bunch of younger players we will need to sign next offseason. I think he's worth it if he is cool with a 4x7-7.5 deal, but anything more, I would be hesistant to trade for this player.

Pros: Great player both offensively and defensively that would upgrade the sabres instantly. A year younger than Buch that probably still has untapped potential from a production standpoint given his more limited minutes in WPG. Better age to future contract outcome than Buch since his cap hit will be lower and still leave extra cap for future young signings.

Cons: I don't think the trade price matters cuz the Sabres could realistically offer whatever it would take. There is some future contract risk here, but I think you have more flexibility than Buch and could get him for 5x6.5-7. Biggest negative with Ehlers is the question - is this the type of player we need? I have concerns with his physicality and playoff performance and is more of the same with the core we have - players that don't have much pushback and have minimal to no playoff experience/execution. To take a swing like this on a player that doesn't diversify your lineup a ton is... risky

Pros: Great player both offensively and defensively that would upgrade the sabres instantly, the perfect player to insert into the top line. Physical, smart, diversifies the talent and play style the team currently has. Fits the core from an age standpoint as well.

Cons: Literally none outside of his future cap hit log-jamming the sabres from a cap standpoint to where they won't be able to sign the young guys due for contracts next season. You would have to have a lot of confidence that you'll be able to dump skinner with nothing retained, the cap goes up significantly, and/or guys like Peterka/Quinn/Byrum/etc are willing to take contracts that may be slightly below market based on their performance next year. TK's next contract is likely in the 7x8.5-9 range.

Pros: Great player offensively that would upgrade the sabres instantly. Fits the age of the core and will likely not have too insane of a cap hit to strap us in the future. Still has some untapped upside I believe. Has proven playoff execution at a pretty young age.

Cons: Isn't good defensively, kinda gives me Skinner vibes when he first left Carolina for Buff. Kinda like Ehlers as well, isn't the most physical player that offers a lot of the same to the Sabres current forwards. Good age, probably can get him under a contract that won't be a problem, but is he what we need and would our trade offer be something Carolina even considers?