The Montreal Canadiens are leading the Atlantic Division with 22 points. Although the team’s November campaign has been far from exemplary, Kent Hughes’ blueprint for a rebuild appears solid for now. The Habs may truly be back, being armed with an arsenal of young, talented players like Ivan Demidov, Lane Hutson, and Nick Suzuki. They may have eyes for a standout Buffalo Sabres forward to increase further their chances of making the playoffs.
The Sabres have been as forgettable as ever. The team is already languishing at the bottom of the very competitive Atlantic Division, with its chances of making a playoff appearance looking slim. What are the odds that a star player parts ways with a team like Buffalo to partake in the Canadiens’ rising ambitions?
Montreal Canadiens, One of the Several Suitors for the Buffalo Sabres’ Tage Thompson
The Sabres dropped a fortune on center Tage Thompson when they hurriedly struck a deal to extend his stay in Buffalo in 2022. Sure, the team has not been good in an awfully long time, having last made the playoffs in 2011, but Thompson was still an asset like no other. Currently, the forward is signed to a seven-year, $50 million contract that pays him $7.14 million per year.
Thompson has a modified no-trade clause, but there is a good chance he would be willing to leave Buffalo to join a team that has a higher chance of winning. However, the question lies in whether the Sabres management will listen to any teams that show interest in acquiring the forward.
Writing for RG.org, Marco D’Amico stated that the Sabres’ division rivals, the Habs, and cross-conference rivals, the Vancouver Canucks are among the teams that have held a sustained interest in Thompson’s availability. There has been some communication between the respective front offices on the issue, but all that the Canucks and Habs have got in return is a resounding no.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has only had a five-word reply to offer inquiring teams: “Not available at this time.” Of course, the message contains some room for speculation. Does that mean Thompson will be available at a different time in the future? The Sabres are fully aware of the attention the 28-year-old is expected to command, but for now, they are not willing to move him anywhere.
“The Sabres are reportedly looking to avoid any panic moves for now. With only a five-team no-trade list, Buffalo could likely draw massive interest for Thompson if they ever decide to move him later this season or in the offseason. For now, though, the Sabres are not entertaining trade talks for Thompson,” D’Amico added.
There is a chance that the Sabres will welcome more such conversations around February, but until then, teams like the Canucks and the Canadiens must remain patient, which, in all honesty, they probably will.
