Buffalo Sabres working hard to trade Josh Gorges

The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly willing to retain half of Josh Gorges’ contract, in order to help him find a new team before the trade deadline.

If you could use one word to summarize Buffalo Sabres defenseman Josh Gorges, “overachiever” would be a good start. While some people may perceive this as a back-handed compliment or slight, it’s genuinely meant to be a positive.

During his career, Gorges has been described as solid and adequate. However, thanks to his insatiable appetite for hard work, he’s made the most of his ability to carve out a productive 13-year career in the NHL despite being undrafted.

And you better believe the 33-year-old commands respect in the locker room. He is an excellent leader who is renowned for continually putting his body on the line for his teammates.

Regardless of all this, the chances are Gorges’ time in Western New York is coming to an end. At least according to the latest speculation.

As reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Sabres are doing everything possible to help the blue-liner find a new team before the trade deadline. Dreger shared the news during a segment on WGR 550:

"“I do believe he will be traded,” said Dreger. “I believe that Jason Botterill is going to do everything in the power of the Buffalo Sabres to give this guy a playoff opportunity. He’s been a terrific pro, and an excellent leader within this organization. He deserves it.”"

These attempts apparently include being willing to retain half of Gorges’ contract. He is in the final year of a deal which has a cap hit of $3.9 million.

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In truth, it should come as no surprise the Sabres will let the Kelowna, British Columbia leave, as he’s clearly on the downside of his career. He is on course for career lows in games played and average ice time per contest.

Gorges has also had issues with injury, although he’s been a healthy scratch on a number of occasions, even when he has been fit. Despite this, Dreger still believes there will be interest, with him naming the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets as potential suitors.

This is Gorges’ fourth season with the Sabres, after arriving in a trade from the Montreal Canadiens in July 2014. For his career, he has scored 124 points in 774 games, while blocking 1,507 shots at even strength.

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What’s your take on the apparent attempts to trade Gorges? How would you summarize his tenure in Buffalo? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.