The Buffalo Sabres have been on quite a tear as of late to get into playoff contention. However, they haven't really separated much from the rest of the Atlantic Division, and the Boston Bruins could be a team they have to worry about, especially if they trade for defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
The Calgary Flames' defenseman is one of the top trade targets this season ahead of the Trade Deadline in March. However, Calgary might not wait that long, and according to Darren Dreger, things could develop quickly with those trade discussions.
On Saturday, he tweeted that four teams are in contention for Andersson and listed specifically the Vegas Golden Knights and the Boston Bruins. For the Sabres, the news that the Bruins are serious contenders isn't good news, as Boston is right there with Buffalo for one of the Wild Card spots.
Boston Bruins with Rasmus Andersson will continue to challenge Buffalo Sabres for a playoff spot
Entering the weekend, the Sabres and Bruins were tied with 56 points but the Sabres do have two games in hand. The Bruins haven't had the same run that the Sabres have had, but they have won five straight and eight of their last 10.
It has been a solid season for first-time head coach Marco Sturm, especially when expectations were low for this team. They have put themselves in a position, though, where they could be buyers instead of sellers, like they were last season.
The Flames' defenseman would be a difference maker for this team and continue to help build on the success they have had this season. Through 47 games this season, Andersson has 29 points and is averaging a career-high in ice time at 24:12 per game.
The addition of Andersson gives the Bruins' defense something they are desperately missing in a scoring threat from this group. So far this season, Andersson has 10 goals while all the Bruins' defensemen combined have 17.
In a division where every team is seemingly looking to make an impact trade, it could put more pressure on new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to help the Buffalo Sabres. It is a delicate balance for Kekalainen because he will be looking to make a trade that can help without disrupting the momentum they have gained over the past 20 games.
It seems like a foregone conclusion that Rasmus Andersson will be traded, and for Buffalo Sabres fans, they have to hope that he isn't traded to a team in the Atlantic Division.