The Buffalo Sabres have clawed their way back into the playoff picture, riding a hot streak that’s turned heads around the league. But as strong as their recent run has been, the margin for error in the Atlantic Division remains razor-thin - and now, there’s a new wrinkle to watch: the Boston Bruins may be closing in on a major defensive upgrade.
According to reports, Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is one of the most sought-after names ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline in March. And while the deadline is still a few weeks away, the chatter around Andersson is heating up fast. On Saturday, insider Darren Dreger noted that four teams are in the mix for the Flames blueliner, including the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights and, crucially for Buffalo, the Boston Bruins.
That’s where things get interesting - and potentially problematic - for the Sabres.
Heading into the weekend, Buffalo and Boston were deadlocked at 56 points, with the Sabres holding two games in hand. On paper, that edge matters.
But momentum can be a fickle thing, and while Buffalo has surged, Boston has quietly put together a five-game win streak and has taken eight of their last ten. The Bruins are heating up at just the right time, and if they land a player like Andersson, that could tilt the scales in a big way.
Let’s talk about what Andersson brings. Through 47 games this season, he’s already racked up 29 points and is logging a career-high 24:12 of ice time per night.
He’s not just eating minutes - he’s producing at a high level, and he’s doing it while anchoring a Calgary team that’s had its share of ups and downs. He’s also found the back of the net 10 times this season, which stands out when you consider that Boston’s entire defensive corps has combined for just 17 goals.
That’s the kind of offensive punch from the blue line that Boston has been missing. And if you add Andersson to a Bruins team that’s already trending upward under first-year head coach Marco Sturm, you’re looking at a group that could do serious damage down the stretch.
It’s a credit to Sturm that Boston is even in this position. Expectations were modest coming into the season, but the Bruins have found their identity - gritty, defensively sound, and opportunistic - and now they’re shifting from sellers to potential buyers. A move for Andersson would be a clear signal that they’re going all-in on a postseason push.
And that puts the pressure squarely on Buffalo’s front office, led by new GM Jarmo Kekalainen. The Sabres have found their stride over the past 20 games, and the chemistry on this roster is real. But the NHL is a league that rewards boldness, especially in the playoff chase, and if other teams in the division - like Boston - are swinging big, Buffalo may have to respond.
The challenge for Kekalainen is walking the line between making a meaningful addition and not disrupting what’s working. It’s a delicate balance, but one that could define the Sabres’ season. Because if Andersson ends up in Boston, Buffalo’s path to the postseason gets that much tougher.
Right now, the Sabres are in the fight. But the next move - whether it’s theirs or someone else’s - could be the one that decides who’s playing hockey in April and who’s watching from home.