The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up to hit the ice again as they face off against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, marking their return from the NHL's Olympic break. With a mix of returning players and lingering injuries, the Sabres are poised for a potentially dynamic lineup shuffle.
Buffalo is set to welcome back Josh Norris, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Josh Dunne from the injury list. However, the team will still be without Zach Benson, Jiri Kulich, and Conor Timmins.
Tage Thompson’s status remains uncertain after his gold-medal-winning stint with Team USA. This scenario might push head coach Lindy Ruff to experiment with some fresh lineup combinations as the Sabres aim to regain their momentum after dropping three of their last four games before the break.
Anton Wahlberg’s Potential NHL Debut
In response to their injury woes, the Sabres have called up Anton Wahlberg from the AHL's Rochester Americans. Wahlberg, a promising 20-year-old Swede and the 39th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, is known for his solid two-way play. However, his offensive game hasn’t fully blossomed yet, with 25 points in 47 games this season.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Wahlberg might see his NHL debut if he hits the ice. However, there's also a chance he might start by observing from the press box until the Sabres get another player back. The team anticipates he’ll spend at least another season in the AHL before stepping into a consistent role with Buffalo, likely as a third- or fourth-line center unless his offensive skills take a leap forward.
Konsta Helenius and Contract Considerations
Some might wonder why Wahlberg got the call instead of Konsta Helenius. The answer lies in the NHL's "entry-level slide" rule.
Helenius has already played nine games for the Sabres, and if he plays a tenth, it would activate the first year of his three-year entry-level contract. Keeping him in the AHL preserves this contract for an extra season, a strategic move for a team navigating financial constraints and aiming to re-sign key players like Alex Tuch.
This situation may push the Sabres to look for offensive depth before the 2026 trade deadline on March 6, avoiding the need to bring Helenius back up. However, if injuries continue to pile up and no suitable trades emerge, Buffalo might have no other option.
Rasmus Dahlin’s Olympic Experience Fuels Playoff Push
Fresh off leading Sweden to the quarterfinals at the Milano Cortina Games, Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin is ready to channel his Olympic experience into Buffalo’s playoff pursuit. Dahlin emphasized the value of handling pressure and emotions on the big stage, skills he’s eager to bring back to the Sabres.
Buffalo currently holds the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with a 32-19-6 record, sitting five points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals. While their playoff prospects look promising, any post-break slump could shift the odds, increasing pressure on GM Jarmo Kekalainen to make strategic roster moves.
For Buffalo to maximize their potential in the final 25 games and beyond, Dahlin’s elite performance will be crucial. The Sabres are on the cusp of something special, and the excitement is palpable as they dive into the season’s critical stretch.