Buffalo Sabres Trade Overview
In a strategic move, the Buffalo Sabres have dealt Connor Clifton along with the No. 39 pick from the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins, acquiring Conor Timmins and prospect Isaac Belliveau in return. This trade is indicative of Buffalo’s efforts to manage their salary cap, shedding Clifton’s $3.33 million cap hit as he enters the final years of his deal.
Player Contributions and Expectations
A physical right-handed defenseman, Clifton spent the past two seasons primarily on the Sabres’ third defensive pairing. While he contributed to the team, he didn’t quite match the expectations set by his contract.
On the other side of the exchange, the Penguins utilized the acquired second-round pick to select 6-foot-6 defenseman Peyton Kettles from the WHL’s Swift Current. Kettles represents a continued strategy for Pittsburgh to enhance their lineup with size, which has been a focus in their recent draft choices.
Impact of the Trade on the Sabres
In acquiring Timmins, the Sabres gain a like-for-like replacement in terms of defensive depth. The 25-year-old, who is a restricted free agent, is expected to be a more economical option compared to Clifton, potentially offering Buffalo an upgrade in terms of both performance and cost. Timmins, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Penguins last season, boasted a positive on-ice goal differential during five-on-five play, outscoring rivals 39-30. Notably larger than Clifton, Timmins is also capable of handling penalty-killing duties.
The addition of Timmins aligns with the Sabres’ current roster needs, especially as they look to finalize contracts for several key restricted free agents, including Bowen Byram and Ryan McLeod. Meanwhile, Belliveau, a fifth-round draft pick from 2021, has been developing in the minor leagues, primarily splitting his time between the ECHL and AHL, suggesting his role will likely be more about organizational depth than immediate impact.
Penguins’ Perspective
From the Penguins’ perspective, this trade is primarily about asset acquisition. While neither Timmins nor Clifton are anticipated to be cornerstone players moving forward, Clifton’s expiring contract and the additional high draft pick secure Pittsburgh a valuable opportunity to build for the future. By securing a significant second-round pick, the Penguins have positioned themselves well to continue their strategy of selecting larger prospects, underscoring their commitment to enhancing their organizational strength.
Conclusion
Overall, this transaction appears beneficial for both franchises, allowing the Sabres to free up salary while the Penguins bolster their asset pool and address their size needs in the lineup.
