3 Trade Destinations For Sabres' Samuelsson

As part of the expected Buffalo Sabres' shakeup, Mattias Samuelsson finds himself as a trade candidate. According to Frank Seravalli, the Sabres are looking at a buyout or trade of the 25-year-old defenseman who still has five years left on his deal at $4.285 million AAV.

While other players like Bowen Byram and JJ Peterka seem to also be on the trade block, the difference could be a buyout for Samuelsson if the team doesn't trade him. The Sabres are really pressed to do well next season with how much losing the team has seen year after year. If they don't start winning, more young players will want to leave.

Samuelsson didn't have a great season. He's a left-shot top-4 d-man who can play both sides of the ice. That makes him more valuable than someone who is restricted to one side at least. He doesn't think the game offensively, so if he struggles defensively, it's tough on the team. Here's a look at a few teams that could use his services if the Sabres can pull off a deal.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Insiders keep stressing that the Columbus Blue Jackets are going to pull something big off. With $40 million in projected cap space, I think more than one bigger move is going to happen, both in free agency and through a trade(s). The defense needs a little work, especially if Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro both don't return. Fabbro is much more likely, but Provorov is going to have some serious suitors. Samuelsson can play both sides of the ice, the team is reportedly trying to move Damon Severson, and Erik Gudbranson only has one year left on his deal. Samuelsson could be a decent fit on Columbus who wouldn't be afraid of putting a $4 million defenseman on the third pairing at times.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins really want to get younger. The team is preparing for a time without Sidney Crosby and the other long-time stars and have already integrated a lot of youth. Samuelsson can be the next piece added as he could have a place on the back-end while eating up some cap space that the team will need to have. Whether it be beside Erik Karlsson or Kris Letang, Samuelsson could play his natural left side and maybe that will help him have a bounce-back season.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings also project to have a couple of spots on their defense open to fill, but both appear to be on the right side. The Red Wings will likely dabble in free agency if they can find a suitable top-4 RD, but Samuelsson is also an option. Justin Holl is going to be bought out of the final year of his contract and Albert Johansson/Erik Gustafsson probably won't play every game. Ben Chiarot and Gustafsson are heading into the final years of their deals, so Samuelsson could be a longer term replacement.