The Buffalo Sabres are again one of the worst teams in the NHL, despite a short burst of positive play in late November and into early December.
Losers of their last 11, they're now squarely in the NHL's "sellers" grouping ahead of the March trade deadline and hot on the trail of either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel.
They've long been rumored to be entertaining offers on defenseman Tyler Myers and could renew their potential interest in trading him to blueline-needy teams as the season circles the drain with increased speed.
The latest rumor, from TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun, says that the Sabres have shown considerable interest in center Ryan O'Reilly, a center for the Colorado Avalanche - a team that just so happens to be desperately in need of assistance on the back end.
"I can tell you this. For sure, according to a source, the Sabres have interest. As they should. He would be a great young leader for this rebuilding team," LeBrun said on an episode of Ottawa's TSN 1200, according to NicholsOnHockey.com.
With extension talks between the Avs and O'Reilly non-existent and the team probably not interested in going through another protracted contract negotiation - how'd that whole Paul Stasnty thing work out? - Roy and GM Joe Sakic are rumored to have already made up their minds to "fish and cut bait" with the gritty, two-way center.
Now, the two sides are reportedly talking trade with the Sabres very interested in O'Reilly and the Avs - though a notoriously tight-lipped outfit - rumored to be in the market for defensive help.
"...if the right team makes this deal involving a top-end defenseman, it might be the type of deal that helps Colorado make the playoff."
