Buffalo Sabres: Should Zach Bogosian be Traded to Edmonton?
By Paul Taylor
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in Zach Bogosian, but how realistic is it to expect the Buffalo Sabres to part ways with the right-handed defenseman?
There has been a lot of talk in recent days, in respect of the Buffalo Sabres and what they should do with Zach Bogosian? More specifically, the conversation has surrounded a potential trade to the Edmonton Oilers.
As reported by David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, Bogosian has significant trade value and would represent a Plan B for the Oilers attempts to find a right-shot defenseman. As per WGR550, a source has advised them that Edmonton has been interested in the player since last season.
From Staples point of view, the 2008 third overall draft pick is an enticing option – a points producer who is entering his prime. However, the reason why the Oilers might want to look elsewhere, is the same as why the Sabres may well wish to move him.
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As Staples points out, Bogosian is unlikely to be at the top of any trade list possibilities, due to the size of his contract. As it stands, he has four years remaining, with an average cap hit of $5.14 million.
In truth, there are numerous arguments for AND against trading the 25-year old. In respect of the former, moving him would ease the current overload on the right side of the blue line, which also includes Cody Franson, Rasmus Ristolainen and Mark Pysyk.
However, given that the Sabres are now building towards once again becoming a contender, is moving one of your better players such a good idea? Bogosian has excellent ability for his size and possesses a hard shot.
In addition, the Massena, New York native is capable of logging big minutes, and is always one of the first players to stick up for his teammates. Overall, he is an extremely talented all-around defenseman.
Of course, it is this skill set which could help entice a team to offer a package that is hard for the Sabres to refuse. As Staples wonders, could this include the Oilers being prepared to give up their fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, in exchange for Buffalo’s spot at number eight?
When it’s all said and done, any potential trade can be discussed until you’re blue in the face, but there is one very important factor to consider – Bogosian’s potential no-move clause, from his time with the Winnipeg Jets. Although some sites list him as still having this in place after being traded to Buffalo, it has not been officially confirmed by the team.
In essence, if the 2008 OHL First All-Star Team selection does still have the no-move in place, he will have to waive it, in order to be traded to Edmonton – or wherever. Further, if he stays in Buffalo, by rule they have to protect him in the expansion draft, meaning they risk losing another of their valuable players.
From this writer’s point of view, the preference is to keep Bogosian around, as we enter an exciting period in Sabres history. Ultimately though – pending his waiving the no-move clause – the reasons for potentially trading him, at least make sense.
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What are your thoughts on the Oilers’ reported interest in Bogosian? Do you think there is any validity to it, or do you believe any trade involving the Sabres defenseman is highly unlikely? Let us know in the comments section below.