New GM Jarmo Kekalainen Reportedly Taking Aggressive Buyer Approach At Trade

New GM Jarmo Kekalainen Taking Aggressive Buyer Approach at Trade Deadline

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen is reportedly positioning the team as an aggressive buyer ahead of the March 6, 2026 NHL trade deadline, according to multiple NHL insiders.

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos reported that the Sabres plan to take an aggressive approach to the 2026 NHL trade deadline under Kekalainen, with the new GM "aggressively shopping around as a buyer." This represents a significant shift from earlier expectations, as Buffalo was previously pegged to be a seller with pending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch potentially on his way out, but their recent run and climb up the standings has changed the equation.

The Sabres currently sit at 32-19-6 with 70 points, holding the fourth position in their division and sixth in the Eastern Conference. The team has won 11 of their past 12 games to climb the Eastern Conference standings, which has fundamentally altered the organization's deadline strategy.

Tuch Situation Remains Central Issue

Central to Kekalainen's deadline approach is the Alex Tuch contract situation. Tuch's current contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

His reported asking price is around $10.5 million per season, representing a significant jump from his current $4.75 million salary.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that Buffalo's front office has been sending a clear message in trade talks: "They're not gonna make their team worse."

Friedman noted that unless Buffalo receives "a ridiculous offer," the team appears inclined to keep Tuch as their "own rental."

Organizational Philosophy Under New Management

Kekalainen was hired by the team on December 15 following the firing of Kevyn Adams. The new GM has established a clear priority of competing for a playoff spot rather than trading assets for future considerations.

Reports indicate Kekalainen's focus is making it clear to players that the franchise's only focus is winning hockey games, not building their stockpile of picks and prospects for the future.

The Sabres GM has stated he wouldn't "sacrifice the ultimate goal," which is winning a Stanley Cup, for the "sake of making the playoffs and then not having any sustainability."

Trade Targets and Roster Needs

Friedman reported Friday that Buffalo could look to add "a beefier blueliner, if possible."

The Sabres' biggest need is an offensive-minded forward to bolster the top six, particularly someone who can generate scoring chances at a high rate and boost the power play.

Kekalainen will have approximately $8.73 million in salary cap space to work with by the March 6 trade deadline. The organization has been mentioned in connection with several high-profile players, including potential targets from the New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, and St. Louis Blues.

The March 6 trade deadline approaches as Buffalo seeks to end the NHL's longest active playoff drought, which dates back to 2011.