The Sabres could look to Penguins to help their top six.
The Buffalo Sabres have made several roster additions this offseason, but GM Kevyn Adams should not be done yet. He has not addressed the club's most significant remaining need — a top-six winger.
While the Sabres added forwards Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, Sam Lafferty, Beck Malenstyn, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel, none of these players stand out as top-six forwards. Because of this, the Sabres would be wise to browse the trade market. Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins is somebody who should grab their attention.
Rakell has been the subject of trade rumors since the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, but a move centering around the skilled winger has not come to fruition. With the Penguins looking to make some adjustments, it is possible that the Metropolitan Division club would trade him for the right price. The Sabres have the assets to land him, as their prospect pool is still incredibly deep even after trading Matt Savoie to the Edmonton Oilers.
Rickard Rakell
Rakell had a bit of a down season with the Penguins in 2023-24, but he was still impactful. In 70 games, he posted 15 goals, 37 points, and a plus-4 rating. While Rakell's production dropped slightly, there's apparent reason to believe he can bounce back in 2024-25. Keep in mind, just back in 2022-23, he had 28 goals to go along with 60 points in 82 games.
If the Sabres acquired Rakell, he could work quite well on the Sabres' top line with Tage Thompson. However, he also would be an option for the Sabres' second line with Dylan Cozens. In either scenario, the Sabres' top six would look much better on paper if Rakell were added.
If the Sabres acquired Rakell, he would be more than a rental, as he carries a $5 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season. Thus, he could be an excellent long-term piece for the Sabres.
