Report: Sabres ready and willing to trade Chris Stewart

Based on recent events in Buffalo, this should really come as no surprise.

The Sabres are actively looking to trade forward and impending unrestricted free agent Chris Stewart, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.

Scratched from the lineup on Tuesday by head coach Ted Nolan, Stewart clearly wasn't happy with the decision, citing a recent fight with Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins as proof of his commitment to playing a hard game.

Interestingly, it's to the Bruins that Stewart is most closely tied to in trade speculation.

LeBrun reports:

One thing’s for sure: Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray has let it be known that he’s willing to move Stewart any time, but he’s waiting for a fair offer. The Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators are among teams that have shown interest this season. 

My sense is the Bruins don’t believe they need to pay a big price for a player who has struggled like Stewart has. On the flip side, I think Buffalo believes Boston needs to step up in their offer. 

Stewart, in the final year of a deal worth $4.15 million, has recorded three goals, one assist and 25 penalty minutes in 27 games for Buffalo this season.