Sabres' Stewart scratched Tuesday amid trade speculation
The relationship between the Buffalo Sabres and Chris Stewart appears to be at a crossroads.
The power forward was expected to be scratched from Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings, according to Joe Yerdon of NHL.com. The decision was confirmed by the Sabres.
Stewart a healthy scratch tonight. #Sabres Coach Ted Nolan: "We need him playing the way he can." #LAKvsBUF
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) December 9, 2014
The move comes in the midst of an underwhelming season for both team and player. Stewart has posted three goals, one assist and 57 shots in 27 games for the 28th-ranked Sabres.
At the same time, trade speculation continues to swirl, with Stewart believed to be drawing interest from the Boston Bruins and coveted by the Ottawa Senators.
Whether the decision to sit Stewart on Tuesday is related to a trade or his performance is yet to be determined, but it seems likely he'll be jettisoned at some point soon with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.