The Buffalo Sabres are heating up-and not just a little. With a 26-17-5 record and 57 points, they’ve surged into the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
For a franchise that hasn’t seen playoff hockey in 14 seasons, this run isn’t just exciting-it’s potentially historic. And with the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline looming on March 6, the Sabres are in a position they haven’t been in for a long time: buyers.
There’s growing buzz around general manager Jarmo Kekalainen possibly making a move to bolster the roster for a playoff push. And with the Olympic roster freeze hitting on February 4, the window to get deals done is narrowing.
One name that’s starting to gain traction in trade conversations? St.
Louis Blues center Robert Thomas.
Let’s break down why a player like Thomas could be a game-changer for Buffalo-and what it might cost to get him.
Why Robert Thomas Makes Sense for Buffalo
At first glance, adding another center to a group that already includes Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, and Ryan McLeod might seem like overkill. But in today’s NHL, you can never have too much center depth-especially when one of your top guys is battling injuries.
Norris has already been sidelined twice this season and is currently listed as “week-to-week,” according to head coach Lindy Ruff. That’s not the kind of uncertainty you want hanging over a playoff run.
Enter Robert Thomas.
While his numbers this season (11 goals, 22 assists in 42 games) don’t jump off the page, context matters. He’s currently on injured reserve and hasn’t quite found his groove.
But over the previous two seasons, Thomas was the engine of the Blues’ offense-putting up 81 points in 2024-25 and 86 points the year before that. That’s top-line production, plain and simple.
Beyond the stats, Thomas brings something else Buffalo could really use: playoff experience. He’s been through the grind, including a Stanley Cup run with the Blues in 2019 during his rookie year. That kind of pedigree matters when the games start to tighten up in April.
And let’s not overlook his potential fit on the power play. The Sabres have the talent, but adding a playmaker like Thomas could unlock another level of creativity and puck movement. He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better.
The Hypothetical Deal
Here’s one trade scenario that’s been floated:
To Buffalo:
- Robert Thomas
To St. Louis:
- Isak Rosen
- Nikita Novikov
- 2027 first-round draft pick
For Buffalo, this is a swing-but it’s a calculated one. Thomas isn’t just a rental; he’s a high-end playmaker who can be part of the core moving forward. With the Sabres already loaded with young talent, adding a player like Thomas could be the move that pushes them from "up-and-coming" to "legit contender."
From the Blues’ perspective, this is about retooling. Sitting in 15th place in the Western Conference, they’re not in the mix this year.
In return for Thomas, they’d get a trio of future assets. Rosen, a skilled forward with limited NHL exposure, gets a fresh opportunity to carve out a bigger role.
Novikov has been turning heads with his steady play in the AHL for Rochester, showing real promise as a two-way defenseman. And the 2027 first-round pick gives St.
Louis another chip to play with as they look to rebuild.
What the Sabres’ Lineup Could Look Like
If Buffalo were to pull the trigger on this deal and everyone’s healthy, here’s how the forward lines could shape up:
- Josh Doan - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch
- Jason Zucker - Josh Norris - Jack Quinn
- Konsta Helenius - Noah Ostlund - Zach Benson
- Peyton Krebs - Ryan McLeod - Beck Malenstyn
Now, you might raise an eyebrow at McLeod being slotted into a fourth-line role, but this is where depth becomes a weapon. Lindy Ruff would have the luxury of rolling four lines without hesitation, keeping legs fresh and pressure constant. And if injuries pop up-as they always do down the stretch-Buffalo would be better equipped than most to handle them.
Adding Thomas to this mix doesn’t just improve the Sabres-it transforms them. It gives them another top-six option, another power-play threat, and another playoff-tested voice in the locker room.
Final Thoughts
The Sabres are in uncharted waters, and that’s a good thing. For the first time in over a decade, they’re not just fighting to stay afloat-they’re pushing toward the postseason with real momentum. A move for Robert Thomas would signal that Buffalo is all-in on making this season count.
And if they can pull it off? Watch out. The Sabres might just be the team nobody wants to face come playoff time.