Jarmo Kekäläinen dropping a trade bomb in the NHL? "It would be a risk"

Buffalo Sabres’ general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen is believed to be ready for significant trade deadline moves this season to take his team to the NHL playoffs for the first time in 14 years.

The Athletic reports that Kekäläinen may be willing to enter the race for Artemi Panarin‘s services as the NHL trade deadline approaches.

– Panarin would bring much-needed efficiency to the Sabres’ power play, and his playmaking ability would strengthen the top six of the offense. The biggest question is what acquiring Panarin would cost, whether he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to play in Buffalo, or if the Sabres would even be able to acquire him, writes the site’s reporter Matthew Fairburn.

– If it were just a rental player for the rest of the season, it would also be a big risk for Kekäläinen, who has known Panarin since their time in Columbus, the reporter continues.

Panarin is reported to be demanding a contract extension worth up to 50 million dollars from his future team. Whether the Sabres would be among the attractive teams for the Russian talent is another story.

In any case, the 34-year-old Panarin’s career with the New York Rangers is not expected to last much longer. The team recently informed the player that it does not intend to offer its star a new contract after the current season.

Bringing Panarin, who has recorded 19+38=57 points in 52 games this season, to the Sabres would be a massive statement from Kekäläinen and proof that the Finnish boss is serious about making a significant change to the course of a losing organization.