Henri Jokiharju.
Had a decent season last year and has grown into a respectable defender, but if they move him, it’s to bring in a different type of player
The problem with trading Jokiharju is...yes, Buffalo would be looking for a "different type of player". But what other team would be looking to give up that player for a Jokiharju type?
He's in that weird no-man's-land of "value" where he's a good player, a quality #5D with the ability to slide up when needed. Decent puck mover, valuable RH shot, positionally sound and not a big liability defensively overall. But
most teams prefer to have a "different type of player" on their bottom-pairing, and i think we've all seen enough of Jokiharju to know that he's not a real Top-4D.
Even if you're swapping him for a Forward...there aren't a lot of teams that will give up big "value" in terms of the sort of coveted player Buffalo want, for what has already been demonstrated to be a lackluster stopgap more than a real Top-4D.
That kind of kneecaps the market for a player like him i think. To the point where you're gonna get weak enough "value" that it usually just makes sense to continue to hold onto the guy and use them as your #5D "utility piece".
Still wouldn't be surprised to see him moved. I think you're right in that the team is about ready to move on from him, especially with a new contract due. I just wouldn't expect a lot in return. Probably actually a really slick under the radar "value" pickup for somebody tbh. One of those solid depth players who falls through the cracks because they don't fit a prototype.