Sabres Exploring Defensive Depth Options Before Trade Deadline
The Buffalo Sabres are exploring options to add defensive depth ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline, with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen targeting what sources describe as a "beefier blueliner" to bolster the team's blue line.
The search for defensive reinforcements was first reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, who wrote, "I could see them adding a beefier blueliner, if possible."
Among the potential targets is Winnipeg Jets defenseman Luke Schenn, who was ranked as the seventh-best player available ahead of the deadline according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.
The Sabres currently sit at 32-19-6 with 70 points, holding the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference through 57 games. However, the team's defensive depth has emerged as an area of concern. Buffalo has been forced to place essentially the entire defensive burden on Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Mattias Samuelsson and Bowen Byram because their other blueliners, including Michael Kesselring, Jacob Bryson and Zach Metsa, have struggled.
The situation has been complicated by an injury to Conor Timmins.
Luke Schenn has emerged as a logical fit for Buffalo's needs. The 35-year-old defenseman carries a $2.75 million cap hit and is pending UFA status.
Schenn would give the Sabres another solid, hard-nosed defenseman to work with for their bottom pairing and penalty kill if acquired. The 18-year veteran and two-time Stanley Cup champion would also be a good mentor for the Sabres' younger players if brought in.
The Jets may be open to exploring trade calls on Schenn, who has been a healthy scratch recently and is in the final year of his contract. According to reports, he's open to a change of scenery.
The trade deadline is set for Friday, March 6, 2026 at 3pm ET.
The NHL is currently under a roster freeze from Feb. 4 to 22 for the Winter Olympics. General managers can continue to discuss possible deals, but cannot trade players until the freeze is lifted at 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 22.
Buffalo general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is going to face pressure to bolster the squad with a few additions ahead of the NHL trade deadline. The organization is attempting to end a franchise playoff drought that has extended to 14 seasons, with the team currently occupying a wild-card position in the Eastern Conference standings.
Written by
Lindy's Five Staff
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