Jordan Greenway has been traded from the Minnesota Wild to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a second and a fifth-round pick. Greenway has been with the Wild since his debut in 2017-18. Despite having resigned with the Wild last year, Wild GM Bill Guerin decided to ship Greenway to the Sabres.
The #sabres have acquired Jordan Greenway from Minnesota.
First to report: @TheFourthPeriod.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 3, 2023
Wild Make Jordan Greenway Trade
With the trade, the Sabres gets a physical power forward, who isn’t afraid to bring the body. One of Greenway’s main strengths has always been his ability to win battles along the boards. He might not score the most points, but he is a grinding player who is very serviceable on a third line. Last year he was a major part of the Wilds’ successful third line with Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno. This was a line that was able to go nearly an entire season without a goal against last season. It was the perfect shutdown line, and Greenway’s physical and defensive qualities were a major part of that.
Buffalo is hoping to see this side of Greenway for the remainder of the season. Especially since he once again has struggled a lot with injuries. He also struggled to find his game this season and he is having his lowest point production since entering the league. The Sabres are hoping that a change of scenery can bring out the best of Greenway both offensively and defensively.
Where Does This Leave the Wild?
Prior to the trade the Wild were faced with a decision for the direction of the rest of the season. Either they could try and add to the team in hope of going on a playoff run or sell players that weren’t deemed a part of the future. Wild General Manager Bill Guerin seems to hint that he has gone with the second option. It’s time to focus on the next season and those who are a part of the future of the Wild. However, the lack of Greenway is going to be felt. It clearly shows that Guerin is focused on the seasons after the cap crunch they are currently in.
Without Greenway, the Wild will have to cover the physical presence on the team and it seems that will be done internally. This could mean the call-up of Sammy Walker, who is having a lot of success in the AHL. Walker has had a breakout season, and many fans want him to get a chance in the NHL. The same could happen to Adam Beckman and Marco Rossi. Both have had a good AHL season, but fans have been wanting to see them join during the recent struggles for the Wild.
Especially Rossi would be interesting if the Wild truly commits to using this season to develop younger players. The Austrian center had a rough first stint with the Wild but giving him the last games of the season would reward him for a strong AHL season. This could potentially be a trial run to create chemistry between him and Kirill Kaprizov. Two whom many Wild fans are hoping will be a major part of the Wilds’ future for the next decade.
Main photo by: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
