Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Casey Mittelstadt is leading the Buffalo Sabres in scoring this 2023-24 season with 42 points (12+30) in 51 games played. He is also in the final year of his current contract with the team, and is set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason.
However, Mittelstadt is one player that has been the topic of discussion when it comes to the trade market leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline on March 8. There have been a number of league outlets to report the Sabres could be looking to trade Mittelstadt either ahead of the deadline, or following the season.
Given the Sabres' long-term salary cap and the roster makeup, it may be more difficult to retain Mittelstadt, while also planning ahead for other prospects to make an impact with the team.
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During an appearance on "Schopp and the Bulldog" on Tuesday, Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams flat-out denied the speculation of Mittelstadt's availability on the market. In fact, he went as far as talking about the potential of locking up Mittelstadt for the long-term in Buffalo.
"When it comes to Casey, in particular, I really like him. I think he is a really good player for us, and my expectation is we will work toward a contract and get him signed," said Adams on WGR with Mike Schopp and Chris "Bulldog" Parker.
Ahead of the 2023-24 season, Adams went as far as saying the Sabres' playoff window is open following the successes of late last season that nearly saw Buffalo climbing back from the brink to make the playoffs.
However, as of Tuesday, the Sabres sit 12 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 31 games remaining in the campaign. At this point, it's fair to say the Sabres will need to go on a remarkable end-of-season run to even have a chance to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2011.
When it comes to the future outlook of the Sabres, especially given the disappointments of the season, Adams says he is in constant contact with team owner Terry Pegula.
"Terry Pegula is as engaged now as he has ever been. I talk to him on a daily basis," Adams said. "He truly wants to get this right, and he’s as frustrated as I am, as [head coach] Don Granato is, and as the fans are."
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Hear more from Adams' appearance during "Schopp and the Bulldog" available in the player below:
