I think Adams makes two simple trades to shore up center depth. I actually think with better centers (actual centers) the Sabres can make the playoffs. It pushes natural wingers like Johansson to the wing, and pushes other wingers down the line up.
Sabres 2022 4th round pick to Arizona for Derek Stepan and Christian Fischer. Arizona gets cap relief, which they need. Sabres get a legit middle 6 center with playoff experience in Stepan. They also get a net front presence in Fischer. The Sabres have tons of perimeter players but don't have many players who score scrappy goals from in front of the net. Fischer is that guy. And as a bonus, even if Stepan doesn't work out, or a player like Cozens or Mittelstadt develop faster than expected, he's on a one year contract.
Montour to Winnipeg for Andrwe Copp and 2020 2nd round pick. Winnipeg has one RHD left after having the deepest right side two years ago. They'll need someone behind Pionk. Copp plays a Bonino-style game as a 3C, can play wing, and fits in with the Sabres as a big forward. The second accounts for the age difference and that Montour plays RD.
Sign Jon Merrill to a one-year deal, less than $2M. Protects the young LHD in the system, and he's also one of the better defenders in the game.
Skinner - Eichel - Reinhart
Johansson - Stepan - Olofsson
Kahun - Cozens - Fischer
Asplund - Copp - Okposo
x Lazar, Thompson
Dahlin - Miller
McCabe - Jokiharju
Merrill - Ristolainen
x Borgen or Bryson
Ullmark, Hutton
Edit: really like this line-up for a few reasons.
- Center depth. The Sabres are legit three deep. If Cozens can't cut it, move Copp up the line up and have Asplund play center.
- Overall forward depth. Having Kahun, Fischer, and Copp as 3rd line options gives the team it's best middle six depth in years.
- Tougher to play against without sacrificing speed or defensive depth. Copp plays a rugged game, Stepan plays big, and Merrill is a tough defender.
- Growth potential. Cozens is in Buffalo but playing lower line minutes and can be sheltered. The Sabres don't need to force Thompson, Bryson, or Borgen into roles earlier than needed. Stepan, Johansson, McCabe, Hutton, and Merrill are all pending free agents, allowing younger players to step in. And Mittelstadt is still in Rochester.
- Existing trade possibilities. If one of the youngsters steps up (Borgen, Cozens), the Sabres can still move a player like Ristolainen or Johannson and not destroy depth.