New Jersey Devils: Realistic Atlantic Division Trade Targets

Buffalo Sabres: Ilya Lyubushkin

A stopgap defenseman is not the most exciting idea, but it’s necessary for the Devils right now. Ilya Lyubushkin is a solid 6’2″ right-handed defenseman, a position of need for the Devils. Simon Nemec should spend another year in the American Hockey League. If he ultimately does, Tom Fitzgerald needs to find himself a stopgap, preferably a player with one year remaining on their deal.

This is where Lyubushkin factors in. If the Buffalo Sabres decide they will not retain him beyond the 2023-24 season, they may look to move him this summer, Fitzgerald should get to the phone if that’s the case. Replacing your longest-tenured player in Damon Severson is not the easiest task, but Lyubushkin would do a fine job taking over the right side of the third pairing on defense.