Sabres Aim to Bolster Defense Ahead of Playoff Push

Buffalo's historic hot streak has them in position to end long playoff drought

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The Buffalo Sabres are in the midst of an unprecedented hot streak and are poised to end their 14-year playoff drought. However, the team's defensive depth has been tested by injuries, prompting the need to add a physical, depth defenseman ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Why it matters

The Sabres' strong play this season has them in prime position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011. Shoring up the defense with a key trade acquisition could help them sustain their success and potentially make a deeper postseason run.

The details

Injuries to defensemen Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins have forced Buffalo's top-four defensemen to play heavy minutes lately. Adding another physical, depth defenseman would help the Sabres maintain their strong defensive play as they push for the playoffs.

  • The Sabres lost on Saturday night, but that was viewed as just a blip in their historic hot streak.
  • The NHL trade deadline is approaching, giving the Sabres an opportunity to make a key acquisition to bolster their defense.

The players

Michael Kesselring

A Sabres defenseman who has been sidelined by injury.

Conor Timmins

Another Sabres defenseman who has been dealing with an injury.

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What they’re saying

“The injuries to Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins have tested Buffalo's defensive depth. Both of them should be fully healthy after the Olympic break, but injuries have forced the Sabres' top-four defensemen to play heavy minutes lately. Adding another depth defenseman capable of playing a physical style would help them in their push for the playoffs.”

— Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Sabres will be active in the trade market leading up to the deadline, looking to acquire a physical, depth defenseman to bolster their blue line and support their playoff push.

The takeaway

The Sabres' historic hot streak has put them in position to end their long playoff drought, but they need to address their defensive depth through a strategic trade acquisition to give themselves the best chance of success in the postseason.