Sabres Trade for Size, Grit, Not Parayko

0:00Here's more NHL news for March 6th. The Buffalo Sabers thought they had a deal for St. Louis Blues' defenseman, Colton Perraiko, but he refused to waive his no-trade clause and block the move to Buffalo. Instead, the team quickly pivoted and picked up Logan Stanley and Luke Shen from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for draft picks and prospects. Perraiko, a big 6 foot 6 defenseman with a hefty $6,500,000 contract, chose to stay with a non-playoff team rather. Then join a contender, just two points from the top of the Atlantic Division. Still, he had every right to say no. Saber's fans and management felt the sting at first, but many now see it as dodging a costly mistake. Buffalo already boasts a strong top 4 defense with players like Rasmus Dalin and Owen Power, so they really needed bottom-paired depth and penalty. Kill help more than another star. Stanley and Shen bring serious size and grit, Stanley at 6 foot 7 with solid scoring, Shen dishing out the most hits on the roster.

1:02Together, they match much of Perraiko's penalty kill time, while costing way less as rentals heading into the summer. This move gives Buffalo calf flexibility to resign forward, Alex Touch, and maybe chase the top defenseman later. If the playoffs go well, it could even draw free agents to a city without the beach vibes, but plenty of upside. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage, no earbuds, no headbands, no awkward sleeping positions, just a pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.com