It's one of the most exciting times for the NHL season as the trade deadline is this Friday. It's the last chance for potential playoff teams to add to their lineup to make a run at the postseason. For the first time in a long time, the Buffalo Sabres are one of those teams in a playoff spot.
They are second place in the Atlantic Division at 35-19-6 with 76 points. In addition, the Sabres are only four points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for first place. Yes, you read that correctly. The turnaround this year has been remarkable and each time they win, it's one game closer to clinching a playoff berth.
In a tight division and a very close Eastern Conference race, this is the year they need to make an impact before the deadline. Here are three predictions for Friday's deadline.
Alex Tuch stays in Buffalo
Alex Tuch's name has been thrown around for the last few months. General manager Jarmo Kekáláinen has a decision to make but, at the end of the day, I think Tuch stays put. Buffalo is on the verge of breaking the longest playoff drought in NHL history and he is doing solid this season.
In 59 games played, he has 24 goals and 27 assists for 51 points. You can discuss his numbers in terms of a new contract but I think he stays, and either an extension or trade will come in the offseason.
More depth is added
While I don't think the Sabres will add a difference-maker, I do believe they will add more depth. There has been speculation about a possible Rasmus Ristolainen reunion. If Kekáláinen does make a deal or two, I see them being that kind of more modest trades.
Jack Quinn gets dealt by the Sabres
This one may be unlikely but I predict the Jack Quinn experiment ends this week. I know he was given a contract extension in the offseason but, in my opinion, he doesn't move the needle in terms of building for the future. The only way I would be OK with him not getting moved is because I don't want the chemistry to get ruined.
We will see what happens this week but I do think the Sabres will be active in an effort to finally end their postseason drought.