If the Buffalo Sabres are still in the market for a forward who can bring both offensive punch and physical presence, Eeli Tolvanen is a name worth circling.
Buffalo was reportedly in the mix for Kiefer Sherwood before he was dealt to San Jose, and it’s easy to see why. Sherwood would’ve added grit and scoring depth to the Sabres’ top nine. But with that opportunity off the table, the search continues-and Tolvanen could be the kind of two-way winger who checks a lot of the same boxes.
Tolvanen is quietly putting together a strong season for the Seattle Kraken. Through 48 games, he’s tallied 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points, while also racking up 123 hits. That combination of scoring touch and physicality makes him a compelling fit for a Sabres roster that’s still trying to find the right mix of skill and edge.
And this isn’t just a one-year flash. Tolvanen’s coming off a 2024-25 campaign where he set career highs with 23 goals and 237 hits over 81 games. That’s the kind of consistent, hard-nosed effort that could go a long way in Buffalo, especially as the franchise continues to chase its first playoff berth in over a decade.
The key question, of course, is whether Seattle will be willing to move him. If the Kraken slide out of playoff contention and shift into seller mode, Tolvanen-who’s a pending unrestricted free agent-could become a prime trade chip. For the Sabres, that’s an opportunity worth monitoring.
He wouldn’t be a blockbuster addition, but Tolvanen fits the mold of a player who could make a real difference down the stretch. He brings secondary scoring, he plays with an edge, and he’s shown he can handle the grind of a full NHL season. If Buffalo wants to add a little more bite to its lineup without sacrificing upside, this is the kind of move that could pay off.
We’ll see if the Sabres make a push-but don’t be surprised if Tolvanen’s name starts popping up more as the trade deadline approaches.