Buffalo Sabres Hit Olympic Break in Playoff Position, Eyeing Blue Line Reinforcements
As the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves in a spot they’ve been chasing for years: inside the playoff picture. Despite a bumpy finish heading into the break - going 1-2-1 over their last four - Buffalo holds a 32-19-6 record, good for 70 points. That’s just enough to keep them one point ahead of the Boston Bruins for the top wild-card slot in the Eastern Conference.
It’s not a perfect stretch, but it’s progress - and it’s meaningful. For a team that’s been clawing its way back to postseason relevance, entering the Olympic break in a playoff position is more than just a morale boost. It’s a sign that this young core is starting to turn the corner.
Trade Deadline on the Horizon: Sabres Looking to Add Size on Defense
With the March 6 trade deadline looming, Buffalo is reportedly exploring ways to bolster its blue line - and not just with skill, but with size. According to Elliotte Friedman’s latest 32 Thoughts column, the Sabres are in the market for a more physical presence on the back end, aiming to add some “beef” to a defense corps that’s lacked consistency, especially on the third pairing.
One name that’s surfaced? Logan Stanley of the Winnipeg Jets.
At 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds, Stanley brings the kind of physical edge that could give Buffalo’s defense a different dimension. He’s also having a career year offensively, with nine goals and 18 points through 54 games.
With Winnipeg sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, Stanley could be a realistic target - and a potential piece for a playoff push.
Olympic Break Begins: Dahlin and Thompson Head to International Stage
While the NHL hits pause, the Olympic spotlight turns to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the men’s hockey tournament begins Wednesday, Feb. 11. Two Sabres will be representing their countries on the international stage: Tage Thompson suits up for Team USA, while Rasmus Dahlin joins a loaded Swedish squad.
Unfortunately, Buffalo will be without a third representative. Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who was slated to play for Team Finland, will miss the tournament due to an injury suffered in late January.
Here’s how the Olympic week shapes up for Sabres fans looking to follow their players overseas:
Team USA Schedule:
- **Thursday, Feb.
12** - USA vs. Latvia @ 3:10 p.m.
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- **Saturday, Feb.
14** - USA vs. Denmark @ 3:10 p.m.
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- **Sunday, Feb.
15** - USA vs. Germany @ 3:10 p.m.
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Team Sweden Schedule:
- **Wednesday, Feb.
11** - Sweden vs. Italy @ 3:10 p.m.
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- **Friday, Feb.
13** - Sweden vs. Finland @ 6:10 a.m.
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- **Saturday, Feb.
14** - Sweden vs. Slovakia @ 6:10 p.m.
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The preliminary round wraps up Sunday, Feb. 15, with the knockout rounds to follow.
Looking Ahead: Sabres Resume Play Feb. 25
The Sabres won’t be back on NHL ice until Feb. 25, when they travel to New Jersey to face the Devils. That gives the front office a little over two weeks to assess, evaluate, and - potentially - make a move that could shape the rest of the season.
Buffalo’s in a position it hasn’t seen in a while: contending, with a real shot at meaningful spring hockey. Now it’s about keeping the momentum going - and maybe adding a little muscle along the way.