For the first time in what feels like forever, the Buffalo Sabres are entering the NHL trade deadline as buyers - and that’s a storyline worth paying attention to. After years of rebuilding and retooling, the Sabres are finally in a position to add rather than subtract, looking to bolster a roster that’s pushing not just for a playoff berth, but potentially for a legitimate postseason run.
With that in mind, there’s an intriguing twist to this year’s trade chatter: several former Sabres could be available on the market. The question is, does it make sense to bring any of them back to Buffalo? Let’s break down four familiar names and what they might - or might not - bring to the table.
Evander Kane - Not the Fit Buffalo Needs
Evander Kane’s name is back in trade talks, this time as a potential piece the Vancouver Canucks are looking to move. It’s been a disappointing season for Vancouver, and they’re expected to be sellers at the deadline. According to reports, they’re even willing to retain salary to facilitate a deal.
Kane’s history in Buffalo is well-documented. He spent parts of three seasons with the Sabres starting in 2015-16, before being dealt to San Jose at the 2018 deadline. His time in Western New York was rocky, marked by off-ice issues that overshadowed his production.
Now in his first season with the Canucks after being moved by Edmonton for cap reasons, Kane has posted nine goals and 16 assists through 54 games. That’s not exactly lighting it up, and more importantly, his style of play doesn’t align with what the Sabres need right now.
Buffalo’s forward group is built on speed, youth, and structure - and Kane’s game doesn’t complement that mix. This reunion doesn’t make much sense.
Tyler Myers - A Familiar Face on the Blue Line
If the Sabres are going to call Vancouver, Tyler Myers might be the more logical target. The towering defenseman is reportedly available, and he brings something Buffalo could use: playoff experience and steady, right-handed depth on the back end.
Myers, of course, was a first-round pick by the Sabres back in 2008 and won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. He played six seasons in Buffalo before being shipped to Winnipeg in the deal that brought - ironically - Evander Kane to town.
Now 17 years into his NHL career, Myers remains a reliable presence on the blue line. He’s logged 61 playoff games and was part of the last Sabres team to make the postseason back in 2011. His current contract carries a manageable $3 million AAV and runs through next season, but there’s a catch: Myers holds a no-movement clause, so he’d have to sign off on any deal.
If he’s open to it, this could be a smart, low-risk move for Buffalo. He wouldn’t need to be a top-pairing guy - just a dependable veteran who can eat minutes and help stabilize the defensive corps.
Rasmus Ristolainen - A Risky Depth Option
If Myers isn’t an option - whether due to his clause or other factors - Rasmus Ristolainen could be a fallback plan. The Flyers are reportedly open to moving him, though his name comes with some caveats.
Ristolainen was a mainstay in Buffalo for eight seasons after being drafted eighth overall in 2013. He was a workhorse during his time with the Sabres, but his game often drew criticism for defensive lapses and inconsistency. He’s been with the Flyers since the 2021 offseason and hasn’t exactly shaken those concerns.
Health is another issue. Ristolainen hasn’t played a full season since 2015-16 and has been limited to just 17 games this year after a torn triceps late last season lingered into this one. That said, if Philadelphia is willing to retain some salary, he could be a depth piece for Buffalo - someone who knows the market, the pressure, and the expectations.
Still, this would be more of a patch than a long-term solution. The Sabres would have to weigh the upside of his physical presence and familiarity against the risk of injury and inconsistent play.
Ryan O’Reilly - The Most Intriguing Possibility
Now here’s where things get interesting. Ryan O’Reilly may not be a lock to move, but if the Predators decide to sell, he’s a name that could draw serious attention - and Buffalo should at least be making the call.
O’Reilly’s Sabres tenure from 2015 to 2018 was productive, though it ended on a sour note. After being traded to the Blues, he immediately proved his worth, winning the Selke Trophy and leading St. Louis to a Stanley Cup, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy along the way.
At 34, O’Reilly is still getting it done. He’s posted 51 points in 54 games this season, showing he’s got plenty left in the tank.
For the Sabres, he’d bring more than just production - he’d offer leadership, playoff pedigree, and versatility down the middle. His presence could allow Buffalo to shift Tage Thompson to the wing, giving the team more flexibility with its top-six forward group.
Whether Nashville is willing to move him remains to be seen. The Predators have improved of late, but they’re still sitting just outside the Wild Card picture. If they decide to retool, O’Reilly could be on the move - and he’s exactly the kind of player a playoff-hungry team like Buffalo could benefit from.
Final Thoughts
The Sabres are finally in a position to be buyers at the deadline, and that alone is a sign of progress. But being a buyer doesn’t mean being reckless. Of the four former Sabres potentially available, Tyler Myers and Ryan O’Reilly stand out as the most logical fits - players who bring experience, stability, and a playoff mindset.
Evander Kane and Rasmus Ristolainen, on the other hand, come with more questions than answers, and at this stage, Buffalo needs solutions, not gambles.
This trade deadline is an opportunity for the Sabres to take a meaningful step forward - not just to make the playoffs, but to actually make some noise once they get there. The right veteran addition could be the difference.