The Buffalo Sabres are in a position they haven’t seen in a while - holding onto the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaching, that puts them in a prime position to be buyers. And if you’re looking at where they could realistically upgrade, the right side of their defense stands out as an area worth addressing.
One name that makes a lot of sense? Braden Schneider.
The 24-year-old defenseman from the New York Rangers is one of several names floating around the trade market, especially after Rangers GM Chris Drury made it clear the organization is entering a rebuild. That opens the door for teams like Buffalo to come calling, and Schneider fits a need the Sabres could use help with - a physical, right-shot defenseman who can stabilize the bottom pairing and chip in on the penalty kill.
At 6-foot-4, Schneider brings size and edge - two things that could add a different dynamic to Buffalo’s blue line. He’s not flashy, but he plays a heavy, responsible game.
That kind of presence can be crucial come playoff time, especially for a team that’s still learning how to win meaningful games down the stretch. He’s also shown he can be durable and dependable - logging 52 games so far this season with the Rangers, tallying two goals, eight assists, 10 points, 83 blocked shots, and 115 hits.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they speak to a player who embraces the grind and does the dirty work.
And let’s not overlook the upside. At just 24, Schneider’s best hockey may still be ahead of him. He’s already proven he can handle regular NHL minutes, and in the right system - especially one that gives him a bit more leash - there’s reason to believe he could take another step forward in his development.
For the Sabres, this isn’t just about adding a body. It’s about rounding out a roster that’s starting to believe it belongs in the playoff conversation.
Schneider would give Buffalo more flexibility on the back end, more physicality, and a player who fits the timeline of their core. If the price is right, this is the kind of move that could quietly pay big dividends as the postseason push heats up.