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Trade deadline ‘will be a factor’ in sorting Buffalo’s crowded blueline

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during the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January 18, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona.

Christian Petersen

Dan Bylsma does not like carrying eight healthy defensemen on his active roster.

Unfortunately for him, that’s where he’s at right now.

The eight, all now healthy, are Josh Gorges, Rasmus Ristolainen, Zach Bogosian, Mark Pysyk, Cody Franson, Jake McCabe, Mike Weber and Carlo Colaiacovo.

More on what Bylsma thinks of this, from the Buffalo News:

Bylsma has said several times this season he abhors having eight on his roster and the team would have to do something about the situation if it ever evolved.

“We’re there,” Bylsma said with a pained smile after practice Tuesday in First Niagara Center...

..."I’m not going to rotate or alternate guys. We’ll play the players that will give us the best chance to have success and win a hockey game.

“We’re a couple weeks away from the trade deadline as well and that will be a factor.”

Common sense suggests Weber or Colaiacovo could be on the move.

Weber, 28, has only appeared in 32 games this year, after playing 68 and 64 in the two seasons prior. While injuries have played a role -- he missed a month with a knee injury -- he’s a UFA at season’s end, and possibly not in the club’s long-term plans.

Hence his dwindling usage this year.

Colaiacovo has only played once in the last 22 games, and could be a cheap depth rental for a club looking to stockpile bodies on the blueline.

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