As the 2026 NHL trade deadline looms, Buffalo Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen faces a delicate balancing act. His mission? Strengthen the team for a playoff push without mortgaging the future.
While a blockbuster trade for a star like Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues is tempting, it might be a move best saved for the summer. Instead, the Sabres could focus on adding an offensive forward and bolstering their defensive depth.
Kekalainen is unlikely to part with core veterans signed beyond this season. Defenseman Bowen Byram might be an exception, but given the team's reliance on its top-four defense, any move involving him seems better suited for the offseason.
So, what assets could Buffalo put on the trade block as they aim to end a 14-year playoff drought without jeopardizing long-term success?
5. Noah Ostlund
Ostlund is making waves in his first full NHL season. With 19 points in 45 games and a solid defensive contribution, he's earned the trust of head coach Lindy Ruff.
The versatile 21-year-old Swede, a 2022 first-round pick, can play both center and wing, showcasing offensive flair and defensive reliability. While he may not have top-line potential, Ostlund is on track for a successful NHL career as a middle-six forward, making him an intriguing trade option.
4. 2026 First-Round Draft Pick
The Sabres' first-round pick, likely in the late teens or early 20s, remains valuable but less so than in previous years. Kekalainen could confidently trade this pick, knowing it’s unlikely to cost them a game-changing prospect. The 2027 first-rounder could also be on the table, but it holds less immediate appeal for rival teams.
3. Radim Mrtka
Selected ninth overall in 2025, Mrtka has quickly exceeded expectations. The 6-foot-6 Czech defenseman impressed in prospect camp and the preseason, showing he's ahead of schedule. With his potential as a long-term partner for Rasmus Dahlin, it would take a significant offer for the Sabres to consider moving him.
2. Konsta Helenius
Helenius showcased his potential with a standout performance early in the season. The 2024 first-rounder has been excelling with the AHL's Rochester Americans, raising questions about his ceiling.
Whether he becomes a top-line center or a strong No. 2, Helenius holds substantial value, making him a key asset unless an exceptional trade offer arises.
1. Alex Tuch
Tuch is likely to stay as an "own rental" if the Sabres continue their positive trajectory. Trading the veteran winger, who’s on pace for 32 goals and 37 assists, purely for future assets could be a mistake.
While moving Tuch could yield a strong return, it might send the wrong message to a team eager to end its playoff drought. Any decision to trade him would need to be part of a larger strategic plan.
Kekalainen's challenge is to navigate these options wisely, ensuring the Sabres are both competitive now and positioned for long-term success.