Rumor: Buffalo and San Jose discussed a big trade

While some NHL teams are coordinating their comebacks, the non-playoff teams have begun to focus on next season. For the Sharks and the Sabres, two teams who battled through disappointment, and two teams looking for a fresh start for the 2021 season. Swapping some big names could certainly provide each team with a spark it so desperately needs. Sources tell NHLTR, the two teams did contact each other to discuss parameters on a trade, once the trade 'hold' was lifted for non-playoff teams.

It's believed the conversation was centered around Sharks goalie, Martin Jones. Jones, 30, struggled to say the least last season, and Buffalo contacted the Sharks to see how much of the goalie's remaining contract the team would be willing to eat for the next 4 seasons. Jones' cap hit is $5,75 million, and considering his .896 save % last season, it's becoming evident his contract is outweighing his play.

Talks were believed to come to an early end when the Sharks wanted Rasmus Ristolainen in return for retaining some of Jones' contract. Slightly too rich for the Sabres, and the pursuit to upgrade their team continues.

The Sabres will not only be focused in the crease, but also up front to find some help for lonely superstar, Jack Eichel. It will be curious to see if the non-playoff teams pull off a decent trade over the next few months. One thing we do know, the Sabres need to make some changes if they want to have success....

Buffalo misses the playoffs again, 9 years in a row. Feel sorry for Eichel. Sabres had 3 fights this year and less than 20 hits per game. You think some of the 19 players who scored less than ten goals might get mad and drop the gloves or throw a hit now and then. pic.twitter.com/lWKhnKG7nX
— Don Cherry (@CoachsCornerDC) June 2, 2020