The Sabres have lost 5 in a row and 11 straight on the road. They just finished the first leg of the nightmare road trip that ended in 0 points in 4 games. They were outscored 19-5, the 2nd leg features a stop in Newark tomorrow and Montreal after the All-Star Break. With any point tonight by Carolina the Sabres will hold sole possession of the Eastern Coference basement. They have gone from contender or lottery pick in a matter of 6 months. A large fall from grace.

I don't want to dwell on the obvious of this team being awful so I want to try to kick some fun into this blog. So I am taking over the Sabres for the trade deadline. If I was GM here is what I would do and why.

Move 1

Trade Derek Roy to Chicago for Marcus Kruger and a 2nd rd pick.

Roy is on the block for Buffalo. One of the teams to be rumored to be interested in Roy are the Chicago Blackhawks. Kruger is a young center with potential, the Sabres lack depth at center and Kruger is worth the shot. Roy would fit in well between any of the Hawks plethora of snipers.

Move 2

Trade Brad Boyes to Florida for a 4th rd pick.

Florida is in need of offense to keep their playoff hopes alive. They have the cap space to take in Boyes 4 million dollar cap hit. They would be willing to take a shot and let him walk as a UFA in the offseason.

Move 3

Trade Jochen Hecht to San Jose for a 2nd rd pick.

Hecht is a good 2 way center that can put up points and kill penalties. He also can play the wing if needed. A 2nd round pick may be a bit much, but hey the Blues got a 2nd rd pick from Buffalo for Boyes. SJ could use a solid two player for a playoff run.

Move 4

Trade Jordan Leopold, Mike Weber, Paul Gaustad, and a 2nd rd pick to Edmonton for Sam Gagner, Magnus Paajarvi, and a 4th round pick.

This is my big/wishful thinking trade. Leopold is a veteran puck moving defenseman with still 1 more year left on his contract. Weber and Gaustad will bring size to the Oilers. Weber is a gritty stay at home player and Gaustad will bring a solid 2 way center to the Oil. Edmonton is looking to shop Eric Belanger who currently holds that rol now. They can replace him with Gaustad who is young and cheaper. He will also be a good leader for the kids. Gagner and Paajarvi would bring skill and youth to the Sabres.

These moves will clear cap space for the Sabres and begin the overhaul and installing of the new Sabres core. I hope the Sabres are busy this deadline as sellers and gaining young skill.