The Rangers acquisition of JT Miller proved one thing.
A great move especially considering the light cost.
But the Blueshirts weren’t a one-hole team.
I don’t mean that as a direct shot at Ryan Lindgren though.
Here’s the situation in Buffalo.
For starters, the team still stinks.
There’s little doubt they need to shift from how they’re currently constructed.
But moving Bowen Byram certainly makes some sense.
This wouldn’t be a “selling low” situation though.
Physicality isn’t his forte but he doesn’t shy away from a hit or a shot block.
He’s been excellent.
Sooooo…when is dealing him gonna make some sense for Buffalo?
Well, Byram’s got 2 RFA years left & his current contract is set to expire.
That AAV would start with a 7 for Byram.
Mattias Samuelsson is the lone stay-at-home throw in of the four, but he’s constantly hurt.
Dahlin & Power are bigger bodies but overall their calling cards are their offensive skillsets just like Byram.
Listen, I’m not saying Schneider & Byram are equals.
They’re not and that’s obvious.
But Braden Schneider is a perfect fit for what the Sabres should be looking for.
He’s been a regular ever since.
Why would the Rangers want to part with Schneider?
Well - they wouldn’t WANT to.
However, look at their situation.
They desperately need a left shot they can deploy opposite Adam Fox.
It’s safe to say that Fox/Borgen will occupy the top two right-side slots for the foreseeable future.
Best part for the Blueshirts is that they can afford to go long-term with Byram immediately.
Fork over $7M per for as long as he wants and it turns into a bargain real quick.
Ink Key for 5x$5.5M.
Byram makes them better immediately AND for the future.
So would it take Schneider/Berard?
That opportunity gets even more limited once Gabe Perrault inks his pro contract.
This isn’t a deal the Sabres are in a rush to make.
That’s why Drury needs to bring everything he’s got to the table right now.
Schneider and Berard/Othmann help change their identity.
Give them some attitude.
Make them a little tougher to play against.
Just like Drury did for the Rangers top guns up front when he brought JT Miller back to Broadway.
Get it done Chris.
VIVA LA BLUESHIRTS!!
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