Buffalo’s Blue Line Needs Backup: Why the Sabres Must Shore Up Their Depth on Defense Before the Stretch Run
As the NHL heads into its Olympic break, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves in unfamiliar territory - not just in the playoff hunt, but with a legitimate shot at climbing into the second spot in the Atlantic Division. That’s a big leap for a team that’s spent the better part of the last decade on the outside looking in. But if they want to keep this momentum going and make some noise come playoff time, there’s one area they can’t afford to ignore any longer: bottom-pair defense.
The Sabres’ top four on the blue line have carried the load all season, and it’s starting to show. In tight games, like their recent loss to Pittsburgh, the cracks in Buffalo’s defensive depth become hard to ignore.
Jacob Bryson saw fewer than five minutes of ice time in that game - and in those limited minutes, he was on the ice for two goals against. That’s not sustainable.
Head coach Lindy Ruff has leaned heavily on his top four, but without more dependable options on the third pair, he’s essentially playing with fire. If Buffalo wants to keep its foot on the gas and actually make a run this spring, they need reinforcements - and soon.
Injuries haven’t helped either. Michael Kesselring, who was expected to take on a bigger role, is still working his way back from an ankle injury.
Even when he returns, the Sabres need more than just hope. They need a move.
Here are three trade targets that could give this team the stability it’s missing.
Luke Schenn - Winnipeg Jets
If Buffalo’s looking for a no-nonsense veteran who knows how to handle the rigors of playoff hockey, Luke Schenn fits the bill. He’s logged over 1,100 NHL games, owns two Stanley Cup rings, and brings exactly the kind of physical, stay-at-home presence the Sabres lack on their third pair.
At 36, Schenn isn’t logging huge minutes - just under 14 per night in Winnipeg - but that’s exactly the role he’d be asked to play in Buffalo. Give the top four a breather, keep things simple in the defensive zone, and make life miserable for opposing forwards near the crease.
That’s Schenn’s game. And with his contract set to expire this summer, he wouldn’t cost much - likely a late-round pick.
For a team looking to make a push without mortgaging its future, that’s a move that makes a lot of sense.
Connor Murphy - Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Murphy brings a similar skill set to Schenn, but with a bit more mileage left in the tank. The 30-year-old has been a steady presence on Chicago’s blue line, even as the team around him has struggled. Despite playing in tough situations, Murphy has held his own defensively - and that’s no small feat given the Blackhawks’ current state.
Murphy’s averaging just over 16 minutes per game this season, but he’s handled heavier workloads in the past. In Buffalo, he wouldn’t need to be a game-changer - just a reliable, physical presence who can take pressure off the top four and help stabilize the third pair.
Like Schenn, Murphy is a pending UFA, which makes him a low-risk, high-reward option. If the Sabres can land him at a reasonable price, it could be a game-changer for their defensive rotation.
Braden Schneider - New York Rangers
Now here’s a wildcard. Braden Schneider is only 24, still developing, and has a ceiling that’s higher than either Schenn or Murphy.
He’s a big body with a heavy shot, and while this season hasn’t gone the way he or the Rangers hoped, the tools are still there. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all a young player needs to get back on track.
Schneider’s usage has dipped this year, and with his contract set to expire this summer, the Rangers may be willing to move him for the right return. Buffalo has the assets to make that kind of deal work. And if Ruff can help Schneider rediscover the form that once made him a first-round pick, the Sabres could end up with more than just a depth piece - they might find a long-term fixture for their blue line.
The Time to Act Is Now
The Sabres have taken a big step forward this season. Their top four defensemen have been a strength, but even the best need support. If Ruff continues to lean on them without relief, fatigue and injuries could become real problems - especially in the grind of the postseason.
Buffalo doesn’t need to swing for the fences here. They just need to get smarter, tougher, and more reliable on the back end. Adding size and playoff experience - especially someone who can clear the crease and eat 12-16 minutes a night - would go a long way in keeping this playoff push alive.
Whether it’s Schenn’s grit, Murphy’s steadiness, or Schneider’s upside, the Sabres have options. What they don’t have is time to wait. If this team is serious about contending, they need to make a move - and soon.