Jets' Acquisition of Isak Rosen Could Upset Sabres

The young forward prospect could make an immediate impact in Winnipeg.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 12:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Buffalo Sabres traded away promising forward prospect Isak Rosen to the Winnipeg Jets as part of a deal that brought defensemen Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley to Buffalo. However, the move could backfire on the Sabres, as ESPN analysts believe Rosen has the potential to become an impact middle-six scorer for the Jets.

Why it matters

The Sabres were looking to bolster their playoff push, but giving up Rosen, who was buried on their depth chart, could come back to haunt them if he develops into the type of player the Jets believe he can be. This trade highlights the difficult balance teams must strike between short-term needs and long-term potential.

The details

Rosen, who had been a consistent contributor at the AHL level for the Sabres' affiliate in Rochester, made his NHL debut with the Jets after the trade. ESPN's Rachel Kryshak noted that Rosen has "20-goal potential" and brings "much-needed speed" to the Jets' lineup, along with strong puck skills and decision-making. However, Rosen will need to improve his physical game and strength to fully earn the trust of the Jets' coaching staff.

  • Rosen was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Winnipeg Jets on the 2026 NHL trade deadline (March 10, 2026).
  • Rosen made his NHL debut with the Jets shortly after the trade.

The players

Isak Rosen

A promising forward prospect who was traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Winnipeg Jets at the 2026 NHL trade deadline.

Luke Schenn

A defenseman acquired by the Buffalo Sabres from the Winnipeg Jets as part of the trade that sent Isak Rosen to Winnipeg.

Logan Stanley

A defenseman acquired by the Buffalo Sabres from the Winnipeg Jets as part of the trade that sent Isak Rosen to Winnipeg.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Buried amid the cavalry of young players in Buffalo, the Jets are getting a middle-six player with 20-goal potential based on his AHL production. In fact, there is a very real possibility the Jets end up with the best player in the deal that sent Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn to the Sabres.”

— Rachel Kryshak, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“Rosen has some power-play capability, and should get an opportunity to play on the second unit in Winnipeg. He also brings much-needed speed to the Jets' lineup, makes good decisions with the puck and has a decent shot. He can dart into the middle where he prefers to attack, but his weakness on the wall will need to improve to earn the trust of his coaches at the NHL level. He lacks strength, but his skill and skating are top tier in the AHL.”

— Rachel Kryshak, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This trade highlights the difficult balance teams must strike between short-term needs and long-term potential. The Sabres were looking to bolster their playoff push, but giving up Rosen, who was buried on their depth chart, could come back to haunt them if he develops into the type of player the Jets believe he can be.