The NHL trade market has been surprisingly quiet this January, but that calm might not last much longer-especially with the New York Rangers signaling a shift toward the future. And if the Rangers are serious about retooling, the Buffalo Sabres would be wise to stay close to the phone.
On Friday, Rangers GM Chris Drury issued a letter to fans, stating that the team is looking to “retool.” Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re throwing in the towel on the season, but it does suggest they’re taking a hard look at their roster and making decisions about who fits into their long-term vision. That kind of messaging usually means one thing: moves are coming.
Artemi Panarin: A Familiar Face for Kekalainen, A Tempting Rental for Buffalo
The name that jumps out immediately is Artemi Panarin. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers don’t plan to offer him a new contract. With Panarin headed for unrestricted free agency this summer, he’s the kind of high-end rental that playoff contenders dream about-and the kind that rarely comes cheap.
For the Sabres, the connection here is worth noting. GM Jarmo Kekalainen knows Panarin well from their time together in Columbus.
Back in 2017, Kekalainen pulled the trigger on a deal to bring Panarin to the Blue Jackets from Chicago. The result?
A two-year stretch where Panarin racked up 169 points in 160 games. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s safe to say Kekalainen knows exactly what Panarin brings to the table.
But here’s the catch: Buffalo’s cap situation could complicate things. With Alex Tuch set to become an unrestricted free agent and young talents like Zach Benson and Josh Doan due for restricted free agency, locking Panarin up long-term might be a stretch. That means the Sabres would have to weigh the value of a short-term rental-one that could give their playoff push a serious jolt-against the cost of giving up future assets.
And that’s not a simple equation. Panarin will be a hot commodity, and Buffalo may not be able to match the offers coming from deeper-pocketed or more desperate teams. But if Kekalainen wants to make a bold move, the familiarity and history with Panarin could give the Sabres a real edge.
Beyond Panarin: Other Rangers Who Could Fit in Buffalo
Panarin might be the headline name, but he’s not the only Ranger who could be on the move-or fit a need in Buffalo.
Take Alexis Lafrenière, for instance. The former No. 1 overall pick hasn’t quite lived up to the hype in New York.
He’s been shuffled around the lineup and hasn’t carved out a consistent role. But there’s still talent there.
He’s shown flashes of being a 50-point player, and in the right setting-say, alongside a playmaker like Tage Thompson or a grinder like Josh Doan-he could thrive. If the Rangers are open to moving him as part of their retool, the Sabres should at least kick the tires.
Then there’s Vincent Trocheck. At 32, he’s more of a veteran presence, and he’s under contract for two more seasons after this one with a $5.6 million AAV.
That’s a manageable number, especially with the salary cap expected to rise. Trocheck brings grit, two-way ability, and playoff experience-exactly the kind of center depth that could help stabilize Buffalo’s lineup, especially with Josh Norris’ injury history.
The wrinkle here is his modified no-trade clause. He can block trades to 12 teams this season.
The Sabres might be on that list, and even if they are, Trocheck would have to be willing to waive it. But if Buffalo can get clarity on that front, he’s a name worth watching.
Sabres Can’t Afford to Stand Still
This is shaping up to be a pivotal stretch for the Sabres. They’ve got a real shot to end their playoff drought, but they might be a piece or two away. With division rivals like the Boston Bruins potentially looking to make big moves, Buffalo can’t afford to sit on the sidelines.
Kekalainen has the connections, the insight, and the urgency. The Rangers are listening.
The trade winds are picking up. Now it’s just a matter of whether the Sabres are ready to make a move that could define their season-and maybe their future.