Unless he’s suddenly tumbled into a torrid love affair with the Buffalo Sabres organization, or the seat of Erie County itself, Chris Stewart can’t be faulted for hoping there’s something to the latest trade rumors about his immediate future. All things being equal, it’s difficult to compete with the prospect of playing on a top line for a Stanley Cup contender, especially when compared with skating on a second or third line for a team in full rebuild mode. It would be more concerning if Stewart, after playing less than a dozen games with the Sabres, wanted to stay put.

As it stands, Stewart is reportedly coveted by one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Boston Bruins -- looking to fill a void alongside Milan Lucic and David Krejci on their No. 1 scoring line -- have serious interest in forging a deal with the Sabres for the 26-year-old winger. If the Bruins can figure out a way to absorb Stewart’s expiring $4.15 million cap hit -- likely by moving another player or two -- this potential deal strikes as realistic and mutually beneficial. And the positive fantasy implications for Stewart are almost too in-your-face to even mention.

Almost. We’re more than happy to point out those implications here: