The Buffalo Sabres hit the ice again on Wednesday, gearing up for the NHL's return to action following the men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. With the playoff race heating up, the Sabres find themselves in a promising position, holding the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with 70 points and a record of 32-19-6. They're currently five points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals, who are nipping at their heels with 65 points each.
Head coach Lindy Ruff emphasized the importance of "conditioning and compete" as the team prepares for a slew of high-stakes games down the stretch. It's clear the Sabres are focused on maintaining their edge as they aim for their first playoff appearance since 2011.
Jiri Kulich, sidelined since November due to a blood clot, is set for another evaluation in early March. While the 21-year-old center continues to skate under restrictions, the uncertainty surrounding his return means the Sabres can't rely on him to make a significant impact this season.
This situation adds pressure on general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to seek offensive reinforcements before the trade deadline on March 6. A versatile top-nine forward who can also contribute to the power play could be just what the Sabres need.
Kulich managed to tally five points in 12 games before his diagnosis, showing flashes of his potential. But with the clock ticking, Buffalo's front office must act decisively to bolster their roster.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Sabres are poised to be buyers. Kekalainen might need to navigate some contract clauses as he looks to make impactful moves. Key players with clauses include Rasmus Dahlin (full no-movement clause), and Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Jason Zucker, and Jordan Greenway (all with five-team no-trade lists).
Dahlin and Thompson are staying put, and while Zucker isn't untouchable, it's unlikely he'll be moved given the team's trajectory. Tuch, set to become a free agent, might stick around as an "own rental" unless an irresistible offer comes along. Greenway, however, could be on the move to free up salary-cap space, especially with next season in mind.
Looking ahead, Josh Norris and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will soon join the clause list, potentially making them trade candidates in the offseason. Moving them before their clauses kick in could provide Kekalainen with more flexibility.
The Sabres have 25 games left, starting with a challenging three-game road trip against the New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. Their schedule includes 13 home games and 12 on the road, with 15 matchups against Eastern Conference foes and 10 against Western teams. Five back-to-back sets and crucial games against the Capitals and Blue Jackets make for a thrilling race to the finish.
Buffalo closes out the regular season at home against the Dallas Stars on April 15. With everything on the line, the Sabres are primed for an exhilarating push toward the playoffs.