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As I watched the Sabres earn their 8th win in 11 games against the Florida Panthers on Monday night, it quickly occurred to me that the team is rolling without the shifty services of Maxim Afinogenov. Afinogenov, who has not played since January 3rd, is becoming somewhat of a “thing of the past” for Buffalo fans and with only 12 points in 34 games this season, it makes you wonder what the future has in store for Max as a Sabre.
Afinogenov trade rumors have been looming for a couple of years now but inconvenient injuries in and around the March trade deadline have made it impossible to trade Max and expect fair value in return. This year is shaping up to be no different. With dismal production and a nagging groin injury, a trade seems somewhat far off unless he returns to the ice to have a monster second half of the season. You’re right. I don’t see it either.
So what should Buffalo fans expect to see in the second half here in regards to Max? There are a few options in my opinion. If Max returns to the Buffalo lineup before the end of January and stays relatively healthy until early March, I think were bound to see some sort of deal take place. It seems like poor business practice to allow a player of Max’s caliber to walk at the end of the season without trying to get something for him in return. If Max is dealt in a deal by himself, expect a 3rd or 4th round draft pick in return. There is a possibility that the Sabres will see players exchanged if a trade does go down, however, it’s only likely if Max is shipped out with other players and/or picks.
If there are no suitors to Max’s 3.5 million dollar contract, then expect Buffalo to opt out of making an offer to keep him in the Queen City.
Is Afinogenov still a good player? Absolutely. I would argue that he has some of the best hands in the game right now, however, it just doesn’t fit the Buffalo game plan right now. His over-handling of the puck has led to numerous turnovers and has made Afinogenov a liability on the ice. He still has a number of years left in him; just not in Buffalo. Find a system where he has a little more freedom on the ice and he’ll fit in just fine.
I won’t deny that I’ve enjoyed Max’s time in Buffalo. Watching his razzle dazzle and nifty goal scoring has certainly been a treat for all Sabres fans. However, in the best interest of his playing career, I think it would be best to bid him adieu.
-Schrembs
schrembs@saucerpass.com
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