The Daily: Sabres Tried to Trade With Red Wings to Draft Kasper

“What if” stories are always entertaining to discuss even though they don’t truly matter once decisions have been made.  But long-time Red Wings blogger George Malik discovered a fun nugget this week when he translated a behind-a-paywall Kleine Zeitung story about events surrounding the Detroit Red Wings‘ decision to draft center Marco Kasper with the eighth overall pick.

The Red Wings weren’t the only NHL team planning to use a top 10 pick to draft Kasper.

Kasper’s father Peter told the Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung that the Buffalo Sabres had planned to take Kasper with the No. 9 pick. Kasper played in the Swedish League, but he is Austrian.

The story, translated, stated: “The Sabres, who also picked Austrian Thomas Vanek in 2005, were so confident in Kasper that they even discussed a trade with the Red Wings.”

Can’t imagine the Sabres offered a king’s ransom to move up one spot. Whatever it was, it wasn’t enough to dissuade Yzerman from taking the player he wanted.

The Sabres ended up drafting dynamic small center Matt Savoie. It’s unknown who the Red Wings had rated immediately after Kasper. It will be interesting to see which team ends up with the most productive player.

#ClipTrip

You think using 5 forwards on the Power Play is a flawed strategy that breaks from tradition? Well, here are the Red Wings using 5 forwards in Game 6 of the 1966 Cup Finals. Norm Ullman, Alex Delvecchio, Gordie Howe, Andy Bathgate & Dean Prentice. Wonder what happens? pic.twitter.com/BrDgUw5Oqk

— The Hockey Samurai 侍 (@hockey_samurai) July 28, 2022

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