Sabres End NHL's Longest Playoff Drought, Jets Now Hold Dubious Record

The New York Jets are now the only team in North American pro sports with the longest active playoff drought.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:20am

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The Buffalo Sabres clinched a playoff spot on Saturday, ending their 14-year postseason drought - the longest in NHL history. This means the New York Jets now stand alone as the team with the longest active playoff drought across all major North American professional sports leagues.

Why it matters

The Jets' inability to end their playoff drought has become a source of frustration and embarrassment for the franchise and its fans. As the only team in North America with this dubious distinction, it further highlights the struggles the Jets have faced in recent years to field a competitive team and make the postseason.

The details

The Sabres' playoff berth on Saturday ended their 14-year drought, which was the longest in NHL history. This leaves the Jets as the sole team in North American pro sports with the longest active playoff drought, having missed the postseason for 15 consecutive seasons heading into 2026.

  • The Sabres clinched a playoff spot on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • The Jets' current playoff drought stands at 15 seasons as of the 2026 season.

The players

New York Jets

A professional American football team based in New York City that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

Buffalo Sabres

A professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York that competes in the National Hockey League (NHL).

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What’s next

The Jets will look to end their long playoff drought in the upcoming 2026 NFL season, hoping to join the Sabres in the postseason and shed the ignominious distinction of having the longest active drought in North American pro sports.

The takeaway

The Jets' inability to end their playoff drought has become a source of frustration for the franchise and its fans, and the team now stands alone in holding the dubious record for the longest active postseason drought across all major North American professional sports leagues.