Buffalo Sabres Trade Along the Blue Line

Sabres Swap Defencemen

The moving parts in this deal are really just Conor Timmins for Connor Clifton and the 39th overall pick. Belliveau has yet to play in an NHL game in his career and spent more games in the ECHL than the AHL last year. Not saying he can’t turn into an NHL player down the road, but it seems like he’ll be beginning his career with the Sabres organization in Rochester in the AHL.

Timmins seems to be a decent depth offensive defencemen. He played in 68 games last season, mostly with the Maple Leafs. He spent the last 17 games he played with the Penguins. He had three goals and 15 points last season between the two clubs, and will look to add some offensive flair to the bottom pair in Buffalo.

The only confusing part of this trade is that Clifton was on his last year of his contract, carrying a $3.33 million dollar cap hit. Relatively expensive for what he brought to the table but the Sabres have plenty of cap space. And now Timmins needs a contract. The Sabres just gave up a high second round pick to get him. One would think Timmins now has more leverage to negotiate for a higher contract. Not sure what that cap hit will be but the hope for the Sabres has to be that Timmins will be cheaper and bring more to the table than Clifton did.

Why did the Sabres Trade Away Clifton

Clifton was signed in the 2023 offseason with hopes that he could be what pushed the Sabres over the hump. The Sabres finished just one point out of the playoffs the season prior and needed defensive help. It was an overpay to get him here, and one that didn’t really pay off for the team in the long run. Clifton had a relatively good year in 2023-2024. But regressed this past season. He played a strong physical game but ultimately was not a difference maker. This trade brings in some new blood along the blueline, with hopes that shaking things up will bring about more success for the Sabres.

Right Shot Defencemen Emphasis

The Sabres within the past 4 months have traded for three right shot defencemen. Jacob Bernard-Docker was a piece in the Dylan Cozens trade to Ottawa. Michael Kesselring was just recently acquired from the Mammoth in the JJ Peterka trade. And now Conor Timmins. Clifton was also a right shot, but the difference between the two is their size. Clifton came in at 180cm tall (5’11). and Timmins stands at 190cm tall (6’3).

The Sabres established a clear goal this offseason. Get bigger, and become harder to play against. Clifton was a menace at times. He stuck up for teammates and played a physical game. The onus is now on Timmins to bring that to the table and supplement it with his good offensive game.

Here’s a fun note as well from Jourdan LaBarber on X.