Rangers to trade Sam Carrick to Sabres before deadline

All eyes were on the New York Rangers when they made Vincent Trocheck a healthy scratch for Thursday night’s game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs, and while the Blueshirts did make a move, it was not the Olympics Gold medalist who was shipped out of town (at least not yet). Veteran forward Sam Carrick will be traded to the Buffalo Sabres, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

It was not long ago that the roles of these two franchises were completely reversed. The Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy during the 2023-24 campaign and battled the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Finals. That same year, the Sabres missed the postseason for a 13th consecutive time. Now, Buffalo (37-19-6) is fortifying its roster for the playoff push, while New York (24-29-8) continues to sell off players ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

Oh how times have changed in The Empire State. The Sabres, who are currently tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place in the Atlantic Division, add some needed depth after completing this acquisition.

Carrick tallied 10 goals, 20 assists and a 3 plus-minus in 140 games with the Rangers. Buffalo is trusting the 2010 fifth-round draft pick and Stouffville, Ontario, Canada native to bring his signature energy and physicality to the squad. Considering he has only competed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs once in his 10-year career (2024 with the Edmonton Oilers), Sam Carrick should be elated to get another crack at the NHL’s top prize.

It may sound crazy, but that is indeed what can happen if the Sabres clinch a spot. Hockey is home to arguably the most unpredictable postseason in major professional sports, so who is to say Buffalo cannot embark on a magical run? What was once unfathomable could soon at least become a possibility.

Carrick will try to do his part to help his new team end its unbearably long drought. Conversely, New York will continue its rebuild and figure out how to give the fans a product they deserve. Both organizations still have some time to further reshape their respective rosters before the clock runs out.

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