Sabres Aim to Boost Playoff Push at Trade Deadline

Buffalo's surprise season could hinge on key additions before March 6 deadline.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 12:48am

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The Buffalo Sabres have exceeded expectations this season and currently hold a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. Led by stars like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Alex Tuch, the Sabres are in position to end their long playoff drought. However, GM Jarmo Kekäläinen knows the team must be active before the trade deadline to solidify their postseason chances and make a deep run.

Why it matters

The Sabres have not made the playoffs since 2011, so this season's success has energized the long-suffering fan base. With the team in striking distance of a playoff spot, management has a critical opportunity to bolster the roster and give the Sabres their best shot at ending the drought.

The details

The Sabres have been one of the NHL's hottest teams since mid-December, going 21-5-2 to climb into the first Wild Card spot. Center Tage Thompson has emerged as an elite goal scorer, while defenseman Rasmus Dahlin and winger Alex Tuch have also played key roles. However, GM Kekäläinen knows the team needs to add more talent, particularly at center, to ensure a playoff berth and make noise once they get there.

  • The NHL trade deadline is set for March 6, 2026.
  • The Sabres currently sit two points behind the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings for the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Tage Thompson

The Sabres' top-line center has emerged as an elite goal scorer, tallying 30 goals so far this season.

Rasmus Dahlin

The star defenseman has triggered the Sabres' offense with 11 goals and 38 assists this season.

Alex Tuch

The power forward has 22 goals and 26 assists, providing a physical presence and scoring touch around the net.

Jarmo Kekäläinen

The Sabres' general manager has the responsibility of making key additions before the trade deadline to give the team the best chance of making and succeeding in the playoffs.

Robert Thomas

The Blues' talented center could provide a significant upgrade to the Sabres' second line if acquired.

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What they’re saying

“While the Sabres have demonstrated surprising strength as they have put together a 21-5-2 run, nothing is guaranteed at this point. They need to produce victories at a 60-65 percent rate if they want to ensure they are going to be playing in the postseason.”

— Steve Silverman, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“Kekäläinen does not want to mortgage the team's future, but the Sabres have come too far to let this opportunity slip through their grasp.”

— Steve Silverman, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Sabres will need to be active before the March 6 trade deadline, with GM Jarmo Kekäläinen looking to add a talented second-line center like Robert Thomas from the Blues to complement their top line. The team may also target a depth forward like Ryan Lomberg from the Flames to bolster their bottom-six.

The takeaway

The Sabres' surprising success this season has given their long-suffering fans hope, but the team must be aggressive at the trade deadline to ensure they make the playoffs and have a chance to end their drought. Management's willingness to make bold moves could be the difference between a dream and nightmare scenario for Buffalo.