The Buffalo Sabres are climbing the NHL standings, and while new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen hasn’t made a blockbuster trade or a headline-grabbing signing just yet, his fingerprints are already all over this team’s resurgence.
Let’s be clear: Buffalo didn’t just need a roster shake-up - they needed a culture reset. And that’s exactly what Kekalainen has brought to the table since stepping in for Kevyn Adams.
The Sabres had stalled under Adams’ leadership. Injuries, bad bounces, and external excuses became the norm.
The team needed a new voice, and Kekalainen wasted no time delivering one.
Fresh off a 12-year run as GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Kekalainen brought a no-nonsense approach to Buffalo. His message?
Compete. Be accountable.
Show up with purpose. And according to players in the room, that message hit home.
“He comes in with a lot of experience, and when big changes like that happen, it can be a wake-up call for the group for sure,” winger Alex Tuch said. “But the thing that he pushed was work ethic and character.
Those are a couple of things he harped on, especially that first meeting we had. That’s something I took away from it, and something I think the whole group is really trying to push.”
Tuch’s comments echo what’s been felt throughout the locker room. Players have described Kekalainen as direct, even intimidating at times - but in a way that commands respect, not fear. There’s a renewed sense of accountability, and with that has come a tangible shift in performance.
Now, to be fair, Adams deserves credit for assembling much of the current roster. But the idea of him being in the conversation for GM of the Year?
That feels like a stretch. The Sabres didn’t start winning until a new tone was set - and that tone came from the top.
With the NHL’s Olympic break looming, the challenge now is maintaining momentum. Buffalo’s five-game win streak was snapped by the Canadiens, but the team is still trending in the right direction. Let’s break down the latest player grades from that game and highlight who stood out - and who’s still searching for answers.
Sabres Player Grades vs. Canadiens
Owen Power - 8.5 (Player of the Game)
This is the version of Owen Power the Sabres have been waiting for.
After a tough start to the season, the 6-foot-6 defenseman is starting to look like himself again. He hasn’t been racking up points - just one goal and one assist in his last 12 games - but his impact goes beyond the box score.
His goal against Montreal, a wrister through traffic on a delayed penalty, was a textbook example of what Buffalo needs more of on the power play: movement, awareness, and confidence. Power was active, aggressive, and decisive - all signs that his game is rounding back into form.
He’s still well off last season’s 40-point pace, but if this goal jumpstarts a second-half surge, the Sabres’ blue line just got a whole lot more dangerous.
Noah Ostlund - 8
Ostlund continues to make a strong case for a permanent spot in the lineup.
He scored Buffalo’s other goal against Montreal and has brought energy, creativity, and pace to the middle six. It’s looking more and more like Adams’ decision to demote him earlier this season was a misstep.
Ostlund has been one of the more consistent bright spots in recent weeks.
Rasmus Dahlin - 7.5
Dahlin didn’t light up the scoresheet, but he played a steady, composed game.
His puck movement and ability to transition out of the defensive zone remain elite. He’s been a rock on the back end and continues to log heavy minutes without showing signs of wear.
Josh Doan - 7
Doan’s offensive numbers have cooled since being moved off the top line, but his hustle hasn’t.
He’s still a forechecking force and does the little things that help drive possession. Even when he’s not scoring, he’s making life difficult for opposing defensemen.
Konsta Helenius - 7
Another young player showing poise beyond his years.
Helenius was solid in all three zones and continues to grow into his role. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable - and that’s exactly what you want from a young center in a playoff push.
Zach Benson & Bowen Byram - 6.5 each
Both players were fine, but not game-changers.
Benson showed flashes of his usual tenacity, while Byram had a few strong defensive moments but also some lapses in coverage. The Sabres need more consistency from both if they’re going to keep pace in the East.
Mattias Samuelsson - 6
Samuelsson was steady, but not particularly noticeable - which, for a stay-at-home defenseman, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He kept things simple and limited mistakes, but didn’t offer much offensively.
Zach Metsa & Tage Thompson - 5.5 each
Metsa had a quiet night, and Thompson still looks like he’s trying to find his rhythm.
For a player with his skill set, a 5.5 feels generous. The Sabres need more from their top center, especially with the playoff race tightening.
Alex Tuch, Ryan McLeod, Michael Kesselring - 5 each
Tuch’s effort is never in question, but his execution has been hit-or-miss lately. McLeod and Kesselring were serviceable but didn’t move the needle.
Jack Quinn & Jason Zucker - 4.5 each
Both struggled to generate offense and had trouble keeping pace. Zucker, in particular, has yet to find his footing since joining the team.
Alex Lyon & Beck Malenstyn - 4 each
Lyon didn’t play poorly, but he didn’t steal the game either - and sometimes that’s what you need from your goaltender. Malenstyn was mostly a non-factor.
Peyton Krebs - 3
Krebs continues to battle, but the results just aren’t there. He’s not generating enough offensively, and his defensive game has been inconsistent.
Tyson Kozak - 2
Kozak has struggled since returning from injury.
The timing’s off, the confidence isn’t there, and it’s showing in his play. The Sabres need more from their fourth line, which likely explains why Isak Rosen was recalled from Rochester.
Quick Hits
- Ostlund’s Return: It’s hard to believe Ostlund was ever sent down. He’s been a spark plug since returning and is proving he belongs.
- Doan’s Impact Beyond Points: Even when the goals aren’t coming, Doan’s motor and physicality continue to make a difference.
- Montreal’s Goalie Stands Tall: The Sabres didn’t play poorly - Jakub Dobes just stole the show with 36 saves on 38 shots. Sometimes, you tip your cap to the hot goalie.
- Fourth-Line Shake-Up Incoming?: With Kozak struggling, the recall of Isak Rosen could signal a coming change on the bottom six. Buffalo needs more depth scoring and energy.
What’s Next
The Sabres (31-18-5) head to Amerant Bank Arena on Monday night to take on the Florida Panthers (28-23-3) in a matchup that could have major implications in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Puck drops at 7 p.m. ET, and with the Olympic break on the horizon, this is a chance for Buffalo to head into the pause with momentum still on their side.
The message from Kekalainen has been clear: compete, work, and hold each other accountable. So far, the team has responded. Now it’s about sustaining it - because in this league, culture can spark a turnaround, but consistency is what carries you into the postseason.