The Buffalo Sabres have had a rough stretch lately, and now a new report has surfaced regarding Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu.
Hockey reporter Renaud Lavoie from TVA Sports in Quebec reports that Beaulieu has requested a trade due to his lack of playing time.
Nathan Beaulieu made a trade request to the Sabres management. Not playing much and it’s a contract year.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva)
January 17, 2019 John Wawrow of the Associated Press reports that Beaulieu hasn't requested a trade, but his agent, Kent Hughes, says he and his client have suggested the Sabres explore that route if nothing changes about his playing time.
On Thursday, Matt Bove from WKBW Channel 7 in Buffalo confirmed Wawrow's report from Wednesday.
Just spoke with Nathan Beaulieu’s agent. He essentially reiterated what @john_wawrow reported last night. Beaulieu likes Buffalo, he just wants an opportunity to play. Whether that’s with the #Sabres or another team moving forward remains to be seen @WKBW
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove)
January 17, 2019 An increase in ice-time may be hard to come by. Beaulieu has been a rotational player on the Sabres blue line this season, playing in just 26 of Buffalo's 46 games, while being surpassed by Lawrence Pilut in the lineup. Beaulieu has three goals and four assists this season. He is a pending restricted free agent.
Check out Paul Hamiltion's take on the Beaulieu report with Brian Koziol below:
