What happened: The Buffalo Sabres are evaluating Anaheim Ducks winger Chris Kreider as a potential trade acquisition. Anaheim is seeking to clear salary after matching a five-year, $90 million offer sheet for center Leo Carlsson.
Why it matters: Buffalo needs to replace the 44 combined goals lost by the departures of Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram. The Ducks must shed contracts to create cap space for an extension with 40-goal scorer Cutter Gauthier.
By the numbers: Kreider recorded 50 points, including 22 goals, in his first season with Anaheim. The 35-year-old carries a $6.5 million cap hit for one more year.
What to watch: Watch if Anaheim attaches a draft pick to move Kreider's contract, assuming Buffalo is not on his 15-team no-trade list.