Instant Analysis: Raffi Torres Heads To Buffalo
The Buffalo Sabres acquire a player who looks like a Red Bull and who plays like he has just chugged six Red Bulls.
The Trade
To Buffalo: F Raffi Torres
To Columbus: D Nathan Paetsch, 2nd Round Pick
From Buffalo’s Standpoint
The Buffalo Sabres sagged into the Olympic break after an unbelievable performance in the first half of the season. The addition of Raffi Torres is an attempt to regain some of the vigour the Sabres have lost, in the form of a goal-scoring winger with a highly effective physical game. The 28-year-old impending UFA is a proven 20-goal scorer who has an energizing effect on his linemates. Torres is a rare combination of grit and skill who will help a Sabres team full of underachieving forwards. Pominville, Vanek, Roy and others are underperforming, so the addition of Torres will be a welcome one. Torres is a valued playoff performer based on his run with the Oilers in 2006, coming off a 27-goal regular season. Buffalo surrenders the expected price of a second round draft pick which should prove to be well worth the expenditure
From Columbus’ Standpoint
The impending UFA Nathan Paetsch is inconsequential to this deal, whereas the second round pick means everything for Columbus. After a surprising playoff birth last year, the first ever for the franchise, the Jackets have regressed this year and shown their need to continue building through the draft. It’s been a heartbreaking season for the Blue Jackets, but Torres has been one of the few bright spots. Bright spots with expiring contracts on non-playoff teams often translate to the acquisition of draft picks, so the Blue Jackets look to the future by shipping Torres out.
Final Thoughts
This deal might help to wake up the Sabres, but they remain a second-tier playoff team in the East. The World watched as Ryan Miller put Team USA on his back, so a successful Sabres playoff run is not out of the question. However, Torres is at best a second-line winger who shouldn’t be counted upon for top-line output, despite his ability to score. A big win for both clubs.
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