Sabres Poised to Trade First-Round Pick for First Time in Years

Buffalo's playoff push could lead to a rare deadline deal involving their top draft choice.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 5:51pm

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After 14 consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres are in position to end that drought and potentially make a big move at the trade deadline. According to reports, the Sabres may trade away their first-round pick in the upcoming draft, something they haven't done in over a decade as they've typically been drafting in the top 10. With the team in playoff position, they could look to add a defenseman or scoring threat via trade, even if it means parting with their valuable first-round selection.

Why it matters

This would mark a significant shift for the Sabres, who have been in rebuilding mode for years. Trading their first-round pick shows the team believes it can make a playoff push this season and is willing to be aggressive to improve the roster. It's an exciting time for Sabres fans who have endured a long postseason drought.

The details

The Sabres have been linked to potential trades for players like Robert Thomas of the St. Louis Blues and a reunion with former defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers. To land a top target, the Sabres' first-round pick would likely need to be included in the deal. This would be a rare move for the franchise, which has typically held onto its top draft choices as part of a long-term rebuild.

  • The NHL trade deadline is Friday, March 3, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET.

The players

Jarmo Kekäläinen

The general manager of the Buffalo Sabres who has a number of assets to work with as he looks to improve the team ahead of the trade deadline.

Robert Thomas

A center for the St. Louis Blues who the Sabres have reportedly been in talks with trading for.

Rasmus Ristolainen

A defenseman who previously played for the Sabres and could be a trade target for the team as they look to add defensive help.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a long time since the Sabres were in a position to trade their first-round pick at the deadline. But after more than a decade of drafting in or around the top 10, the Sabres are in a playoff position at the deadline. Jarmo Kekäläinen has a lot of assets to work with if he wants to make this team better, and I think the first-round pick could be in play for the right deal.”

— Matthew Fairburn, Reporter

What’s next

The Sabres will have until the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline on Friday, March 3, 2026 to decide if they will trade their first-round pick in an effort to bolster their roster for a potential playoff run.

The takeaway

The Sabres' willingness to trade their first-round pick for the first time in over a decade signals a significant shift in the team's approach. After years of rebuilding, Buffalo is now in position to make a playoff push and is willing to be aggressive at the trade deadline to improve the roster, even if it means parting with a valuable draft asset.