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Buffalo Sabres Eyeing Shocking Buyout or Trade for Key Defenseman

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 9:57 AM ET

The Buffalo Sabres have got some big decisions to make this summer, and according to reports, they're set to buyout or trade blue liner Mattias Samuelsson.

After the completion of the 2024/25 season, the Buffalo Sabres have been involved in many trade reports, mostly involving JJ Peterka and star defenseman Bowen Byram, who are both likely to be moved this summer.

They aren't the only players that could be moved however, as reports have now revealed that the team are open to either trading or buying out talented young defenseman Mattias Samuelsson.

That report comes from Frank Seravalli, who reveals the team are looking to move on from the 25-year old, despite having arguably his best year as a Sabre in 2024/25, tallying 14 points and a +4 differential on a largely terrible Sabres team.

On top of all of this, there have been some suggestions that they could look to deal Owen Power as well if the right deal comes along, and with names like Rasmus Andersson out there on the trade market, it's safe to say that they could be looking at an upgrade.

Despite a career high of 14 points in a season, Samuelsson is signed for the next five years with a salary cap hit of $4.285 million, and given that the Sabres are looking to be aggressive in improving, he may be just the piece to use to match salaries.

Ultimately, the former second-round draft pick may never go on to become a star in the NHL, and the Sabres are clearly realizing that now, so don't be shocked to see the team move on from him one way or another this off-season.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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