Buffalo Sabres’ Worst Trades Ever
T
The Hockey Writers
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The Buffalo Sabres have seen their fair share of regrettable trades over the years, each one leaving a mark on the franchise's history. One of the most notorious deals was the 2013 transaction with the New York Islanders, where the Sabres traded star player Thomas Vanek. The move was met with immediate backlash as Vanek had become a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team's offense. Unfortunately, the return from the Islanders did not warrant the departure of such a talented player.
Another infamous trade was the 2015 deal sending defenseman Tyler Myers to the Winnipeg Jets. Myers had shown immense promise as a strong two-way defenseman since his rookie season, and parting ways with him left many fans questioning the direction of the Sabres' roster. Additionally, the deal involved several prospects, but none have reached the impact level of Myers, making this trade a painful memory for Sabres supporters.
The Sabres also made headlines when they traded away forward Chris Drury to the Calgary Flames in 2002. Drury was a heart-and-soul player for Buffalo, known for his clutch performances in critical situations. His departure not only weakened the Sabres in the short term but also robbed fans of witnessing a player who could have solidified his legacy in Buffalo.
Lastly, the Sabres’ decision to trade away Ryan O'Reilly to the St. Louis Blues has become even more scrutinized since O'Reilly captured the Conn Smythe Trophy with the Blues and led them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019. Fans often reflect on missed opportunities and the substantial talent that has slipped through Buffalo's fingers over the years, pondering what could have been with a more strategic approach to player management.
Another infamous trade was the 2015 deal sending defenseman Tyler Myers to the Winnipeg Jets. Myers had shown immense promise as a strong two-way defenseman since his rookie season, and parting ways with him left many fans questioning the direction of the Sabres' roster. Additionally, the deal involved several prospects, but none have reached the impact level of Myers, making this trade a painful memory for Sabres supporters.
The Sabres also made headlines when they traded away forward Chris Drury to the Calgary Flames in 2002. Drury was a heart-and-soul player for Buffalo, known for his clutch performances in critical situations. His departure not only weakened the Sabres in the short term but also robbed fans of witnessing a player who could have solidified his legacy in Buffalo.
Lastly, the Sabres’ decision to trade away Ryan O'Reilly to the St. Louis Blues has become even more scrutinized since O'Reilly captured the Conn Smythe Trophy with the Blues and led them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019. Fans often reflect on missed opportunities and the substantial talent that has slipped through Buffalo's fingers over the years, pondering what could have been with a more strategic approach to player management.