Trade Deadline Buzz: Sabres Eye Depth, Flyers Shift Gears, and Ristolainen Back on the Block
With the NHL trade deadline creeping closer, the picture is starting to sharpen for a few teams across the league - and not everyone’s looking at the postseason the same way they were a month ago. Let’s break down where things stand for a few clubs making headlines: the Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, and a handful of intriguing names on the trade block.
Buffalo Sabres: Depth Needed on the Blue Line and Up Front
The Buffalo Sabres are still hanging around in the playoff conversation, but if they want to make a real push down the stretch, they’ll need to shore up some key areas - starting with the back end.
Even with Conor Timmins expected to resume skating soon after recovering from a broken leg, the Sabres aren’t in a position to bank on one player solving their depth issues. Timmins has potential, no question, but coming off a significant injury, it’s tough to project how quickly he’ll be able to contribute meaningful minutes.
That’s why a reliable third-pair defenseman should be on Buffalo’s radar as the deadline approaches. Someone who can eat 14-16 minutes a night without becoming a liability - that’s the kind of addition that stabilizes a playoff hopeful.
Up front, the Sabres could also use another top-nine forward. Josh Norris and Zach Benson are expected back after the break, which will help, but with a lot of hockey still to be played, depth becomes more than a luxury - it’s a necessity.
Injuries, slumps, line shuffling - they all come into play in the second half. Adding a forward who can chip in offensively while playing responsibly in all three zones would give Buffalo the kind of flexibility they’ve lacked at times this season.
Philadelphia Flyers: From Buyers to Sellers as Playoff Hopes Fade
The Flyers’ season has taken a turn, and so has their trade deadline posture.
Not long ago, Philly looked like a team that could be active buyers. But a dip in the standings - and a playoff probability that’s now hovering just above 10% - has shifted the focus. The Flyers are trending toward being sellers, and that opens the door for some intriguing possibilities.
There’s been chatter about big names like Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny. But let’s be clear: Konecny isn’t going anywhere.
He’s a key leader in the locker room and has a full no-movement clause. The Flyers value him highly, and for good reason - he’s been one of their most consistent performers.
Tippett is a bit more of a wild card. While he may not be itching to leave, the Flyers are deep on the wings organizationally.
That gives them some flexibility if the right deal presents itself. Could he be part of a package for a top-tier center like Robert Thomas out of St.
Louis? That’s the kind of swing that could reshape the roster long-term.
Another name to keep an eye on: Bobby Brink. The pending RFA forward is putting together a solid season and has reportedly drawn interest - particularly from the Minnesota Wild. He’s young, skilled, and cost-controlled, which makes him a valuable trade chip if the Flyers decide to retool.
Ristolainen, Juulsen, and the Defensemen on the Move
The Flyers may also be looking to cash in on defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who’s once again found himself in the trade rumor mill. He’s playing top-pair minutes in Philly and doing it well - and with the Olympics offering another platform to showcase his game for Finland, his value could spike at just the right time.
If the Flyers decide to move him, they could be looking at a strong return, especially from a contender in need of size and experience on the blue line.
Other names to watch on the defensive front include Noah Juulsen, who could be had for a mid-to-late-round pick, and Emil Andrae, who might be part of a package deal if the Flyers pursue a center. Nick Seeler is another possibility, though his no-trade clause complicates things. At this point, it seems more likely that Andrae and Seeler stay put, unless the right offer comes along.
Final Word
As the March 6th trade deadline nears, teams are starting to show their hands. The Sabres are in buyer mode, looking to patch holes and make a run. The Flyers, meanwhile, are pivoting toward the future, with several intriguing assets that could spark significant trade conversations.
Whether it’s a depth move or a blockbuster, the pieces are in motion - and the next few weeks could reshape more than a few rosters across the NHL.