Buffalo Sabres: Carl Hagelin a possibility as trade deadline approaches

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that the Buffalo Sabres have looked at Carl Hagelin, but how likely is the winger to end up in Western New York?

Following Tuesday night’s 4-2 loss in Florida to the Panthers, the Buffalo Sabres‘ playoff dream is slipping away. Actually, falling apart would be a more apt description, after allowing 14 goals in the last three games — all losses — and now finding themselves six points out of eighth place in the East.

At a time when the Sabres should be stepping up and chasing a postseason spot, they are doing the exact opposite. Their 3-6-1 record in the last 10 games is the worst in the Eastern Conference, save for the lowly Ottawa Senators.

With this in mind, the Swords need to do something to turn their fortunes around, before they see the franchise’s playoff drought extend to eight seasons. This includes attempting to bolster the roster before next Monday’s trade deadline.

The question is, who will the Sabres target between now and 3:00 pm ET on Feb. 25? One possibility is Carl Hagelin.

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As mentioned in Elliotte Friedman’s weekly 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, the Sabres have apparently looked at Hagelin. Whether the team actually moves forward with this, is another matter.

As Friedman notes, this is a player who only has eight points — two goals and six assists — in 38 games this season. He is renowned for being inconsistent and is well on course for the least productive season of his NHL career (albeit partly thanks to missing six weeks with a knee injury).

However, we are also looking at someone who has considerable experience and success in the playoffs. Hagelin has been to the playoffs every season since entering the league, with a resume that includes 47 points — 22 goals and 25 assists — in 121 postseason games and two Stanley Cups.

With experience like that, the winger could be just the ticket to help the Sabres get back on track. He has speed and is a fine two-way player, who is particularly effective defensively and a good penalty killer.

Another aspect which might persuade the Sabres to move forward with pursuing Hagelin, is his contract situation. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, meaning the team is only tied to him short-term, if he doesn’t work out.

The 30-year-old has already been moved once this season. Back in November, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded him to the Los Angeles Kings, in exchange for Tanner Pearson.

Now, Hagelin is well aware he could be on the move again before the trade deadline. As reported by Curtis Zupke of the Los Angeles Times, he said:

"“I think I’ve been in the league long enough to know what’s going on this time of year. I’ve never been traded, myself, at the deadline. But I think if you’re a UFA without a contract for next year, there’s always a chance or risk of getting traded.”"

Whether that potential trade is to Buffalo, remains to be seen. Regardless, the Sabres need to do something, if they are to save their fast fading playoff chances.

What’s your opinion of Hagelin? Would you like to see the Buffalo Sabres trade for him, or look elsewhere? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.