The Buffalo Sabres are continuing their surge and looking to possibly lock in their first playoff appearance since 2011. Now, many options are on the table before the trade deadline as they may be looking to add more depth for March and April.
Their defense still may need to have more pieces added before the deadline amid injuries. One player that may want to look at is Pierre-Olivier Joseph. The 26-year-old defenseman is currently a member of the Vancouver Canucks.
Joseph is younger but may have the type of moxie and ability to add a missing piece on the defensive end for the Sabres. They have had a strong season working with their goalies but adding more pieces may be vital as the end of the season nears.
The young blueliner is averaging almost a block a game while with the Canucks. He has seen limited action due to a groin injury but when healthy has been reliable while signed with the Canucks and before that with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
He signed with the Canucks this past offseason but it was only to a one-year deal. The Sabres more than likely would not have to give up much to bring him in. His contract would be cap-friendly and, if did not work out, they could move on in the offseason.
Pierre-Olivier Joseph could add depth behind captain Rasmus Dahlin as the Sabres look at the playoffs
Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson have come on strong as the Sabres continue to play hard on the ice. But some of the depth behind both has been either ineffective or inconsistent.
There were two seasons while with Pittsburgh that the defenseman, despite not playing a full 82-game schedule, has broken over 10 points in a season. It shows his versatility at being a two-way player. Dahlin has demonstrated that ability, albeit at a much higher level.
But now the Sabres may be looking toward the future with adding more players who can play both sides of the puck and on the ice. Joseph may add depth and the extra piece that Western New York is looking for.
The Sabres are gearing up and moving closer to a playoff berth. However, they need to keep the momentum by adding a piece or two before the deadline. The NHL will soon go into a roster freeze for the 2026 Winter Olympics, leaving a limited amount of time to make trades.
Even a modest upgrade to their defensive depth may be what gets them into the postseason. Adding a player of Joseph's versality and ability may be that difference. It's also cost effective for the new regime.