Sabres Must Trade Prospect Helenius Before 2026 NHL Deadline

Buffalo is in playoff position, but needs to make a big move to keep up with Atlantic Division rivals.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Buffalo Sabres are in an unfamiliar position - holding a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. With the NHL trade deadline less than a week away, the Sabres must be buyers and should look to trade prospect Konsta Helenius to acquire a top-line center like Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues.

Why it matters

The Sabres have not made the playoffs in 14 years, so this is a critical opportunity for the franchise to end that drought. However, they face stiff competition from the Tampa Bay Lightning and a resurgent Detroit Red Wings team. Trading a prospect like Helenius could help them land an impact player to boost their playoff push.

The details

The Sabres drafted Helenius in the first round in 2024, and he has shown promise in the AHL this season. However, the Sabres have a surplus of young forwards and need to add a proven center like Thomas to balance out their lineup. The Blues are reportedly asking for a recent first-round pick and more assets for Thomas, so the Sabres would likely need to include Helenius and their 2026 first-round pick to complete the deal. They would also need to clear about $1.1 million in cap space, likely by trading away Peyton Krebs.

  • The NHL trade deadline is less than a week away (March 3, 2026).
  • Helenius will turn 20 years old in May 2026.

The players

Konsta Helenius

A 2024 first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres who has shown promise in the AHL this season.

Robert Thomas

A top-line center for the St. Louis Blues who the Sabres are reportedly interested in acquiring.

Peyton Krebs

A Sabres forward who the team would likely need to trade to clear cap space for a potential deal for Robert Thomas.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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