Buffalo Sabres almost traded Thomas Vanek for Tyler Seguin

Jan 30, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) comes off the ice after scoring the game tying goal against New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (not pictured) during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Devils defeated the Stars 3-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the biggest storylines in the NHL is what the New York Islanders will do with pending free agent Thomas Vanek whom they acquired in a trade earlier this winter from the Buffalo Sabres.

That trade was the biggest we’ve seen in the NHL so far this season, but according to The Buffalo News that would not have been possible had a trade to Dallas not fizzled at the draft.

"“Buffalo and Boston discussed a trade package that would have sent Thomas Vanek to the Bruins in exchange for Tyler Seguin, multiple sources told The News on Monday. It’s not clear why the talks, held at the draft in June, fell through, but it is known the Bruins were seeking another NHL-ready player off the Sabres’ roster.”"

Seguin ultimately was traded to the Dallas Stars where the 22-year-old center has developed into one of the top young players at his position in the NHL this season and it also happens to be the biggest weakness on the Sabres.

Buffalo would receive left wing Matt Moulson, the Isles’ first-round pick in either 2014 or 2015, and New York’s second-round pick in 2015 for Vanek who turned down a contract extension and is likely to be traded for the second time this season as a result.

It’s easy to look at what may have been and hindsight is always 20/20, but Buffalo may regret not having the promising Seguin on their roster, especially if Moulson departs as a free agent this offseason.

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