The Buffalo Sabres are aiming to end their 14-year playoff absence and build a foundation for lasting success in one of America’s prominent hockey markets. As the NHL pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Sabres hold the top wild-card position in the Eastern Conference, but underlying issues have surfaced, bringing potential roster changes into focus before the March 6 trade deadline.
General manager Jarmo Kekalainen faces mounting pressure to improve the team by adding key pieces during the busy stretch from February 22, when the roster freeze lifts, to the trade deadline. While names like Alex Tuch and several high-profile prospects are commonly discussed, there are other, less obvious players who could be moved. This article highlights three underrated Buffalo Sabres trade candidates who might draw interest as the organization searches for offensive upgrades and defensive support.
Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s Emerging Trade Possibility
Only months ago, the idea of a team showing strong trade interest in goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen seemed remote, despite his steep contract that includes more than three seasons remaining at $23.75 million. After a decline following his breakout 2023-24 season, Luukkonen found renewed form in mid-December, posting an impressive .922 save percentage over 10 starts. This hot streak played a critical role in the Sabres’ push up the standings but was interrupted by an injury that prevented him from joining Team Finland at the Olympics.
His recent strong play has tempered trade speculation, yet questions remain regarding Buffalo’s long-term plans in net. Backup Alex Lyon has demonstrated the ability to handle a starting role in the short term, compiling a .912 save percentage over 27 games, and the organization also has promising young goalies Colten Ellis and Devon Levi vying for NHL roles in the near future.
Should Luukkonen’s performance decline during the season’s stretch run, his trade value could diminish, closing Kekalainen’s opportunity to acquire assets while the netminder is still in demand. The Sabres might decide to address their goaltending situation conservatively during the summer, preferring to secure stability rather than trade a key player in the midst of a playoff chase. However, if Luukkonen is not seen as the franchise’s future, this offseason could present Kekalainen’s best chance to capitalize while Luukkonen’s stock is relatively high.
Defensive Depth Option Zac Jones and His NHL Potential
Zac Jones joined the Sabres organization in July after spending five years in a depth defensive role with the New York Rangers. At 25, Jones has become a standout performer for the AHL’s Rochester Americans, leading the team with 40 points—including seven goals and 33 assists—while providing steady leadership amid frequent NHL injury call-ups.
Despite this strong showing, Buffalo has favored other defensemen such as Jacob Bryson and Zach Metsa to fill NHL roster spots, especially while Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins contend with injuries. Ryan Johnson also recently received a short-term call-up to the big league squad.
While Jones’ standalone trade value may be modest, he represents a useful piece for teams seeking a reliable seventh defenseman. His restricted free agent status at season’s end offers potential suitors a controlled salary option for 2026-27 and beyond. Although his play merits regular NHL minutes, Buffalo’s current depth chart makes such an opportunity unlikely in the near future.
Prospect Maxim Strbak as an Attractive Trade Asset
Among the Sabres’ prospects, defenseman Maxim Strbak stands out as a potential candidate to attract interest league-wide without significantly weakening Buffalo’s depth. At 20, the Czech defender has maintained steady development, accumulating 15 points in 28 games for Michigan State’s college hockey program this season. Strbak projects as a possible second- or third-pair defenseman at the NHL level in due course.
However, the Sabres’ future on the blue line already includes cornerstone players like Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, and Mattias Samuelsson, with Michael Kesselring poised to join that core if he recovers fully from an injury-plagued start. Additionally, younger talents such as 2025 first-rounder Radim Mrtka and 2024 draft picks Adam Kleber and Luke Osburn appear ahead of Strbak in the organizational depth chart’s pecking order for eventual NHL roles.
Given this crowded defensive pipeline, Strbak could substantially boost Buffalo’s bargaining power if Kekalainen pursues a major trade move for a top-six forward before the deadline. His potential would make him a valuable inclusion in any package seeking to acquire high-end offensive talent.
The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal for the Sabres as they balance the desire to maintain their current playoff positioning with the need to build a contender. Trading lesser-known yet promising players like Luukkonen, Jones, or Strbak could provide crucial assets to address offensive or defensive needs. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Buffalo’s management must weigh these possibilities carefully to break their lengthy postseason drought and establish a new era of sustained competitiveness.
