Report: Sabres GM 'aggressively' trying to make trade

Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams wants to make a deal to improve his lackluster club.

"Adams is trying. He's working aggressively looking for a trade," TSN's Darren Dreger said Friday on WGR 550. "He's looking to upgrade in every possible scenario, it's just like every other (general) manager that's struggled."

Dreger added that while Adams is extensively working the phones seeking a move, that effort isn't leading to any serious discussions.

"Lots of conversations, but really no substance to the conversations for a myriad of reasons," Dreger said.

One hurdle to any trade is the quarantine players would potentially be required to enter upon switching squads. There are also restrictions prohibiting non-essential travel at the border between Canada and the United States.

The Sabres were expected to take a step forward in 2021 after Adams signed prized free agent Taylor Hall to a one-year contract and acquired veteran center Eric Staal in a trade with the Minnesota Wild during the offseason. However, Buffalo has struggled mightily this campaign, ranking third-last in the NHL in points percentage while going 6-12-3 through 21 games.

Last month, the Sabres were forced to remain idle for two weeks amid a COVID-19 outbreak that followed two games against the New Jersey Devils, who had just experienced their own outbreak.

Nevertheless, several key Buffalo players have underachieved in 2021. Captain Jack Eichel has produced only two goals in 19 games, despite amassing a team-high 14 assists. Hall has collected only two markers in 21 contests. And Jeff Skinner, who carries a $9-million cap hit through 2026-27, has managed just one point (an assist) in 18 games, and he's repeatedly been a healthy scratch.

Making matters worse, Sabres goaltender Linus Ullmark - who had played well this season considering how poorly the club is performing - will be out for a month after suffering an injury last week.

Buffalo hasn't made the playoffs since 2011 when it lost in the first round for the second straight season.