The Buffalo Sabres aren't getting nearly enough secondary scoring, with several players' offensive production dropping dramatically from last season, which could lead general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to consider some changes in the near future.
Kekalainen recently hinted one of the reasons the Sabres weren't more aggressive in their pursuit of Connor Hellebuyck before the goalie's trade to the New Jersey Devils was the desire to maintain assets for more pressing needs. A legitimate first-line center surely tops the wish list.
But which players currently on the team's NHL roster could be on the way out if Buffalo decides to restructure its forward group? Mike Gould of Daily Faceoff named Josh Norris as a player who could benefit from a change of scenery:
"The Sabres have to figure out the best way to move forward from here. With natural centers in short supply, Norris will likely continue to carry a certain degree of intrinsic value. He could be an appealing buy-low piece for a rebuilding team in search of a bit more experience down the middle."DFO's Mike Gould on Josh Norris
Norris has always faced a pretty straightforward narrative: If he stays healthy, he'll be productive.
That simply hasn't been the case so far in 2026-27. The injury-prone center has appeared in all 15 of Buffalo's games but he's scored just three points (two goals and one assist) with a minus-six rating. He's been downright invisible most nights.
Head coach Lindy Ruff has tried pretty much everything, from giving the 27-year-old Michigan native a spot next to Tage Thompson on the top line to an occasional wake-up call on the fourth line, but nothing has caused a spark.
The Sabres aren't getting caved in when Norris plays at even strength. In fact, their expected goal share at 5-on-5 sits at 52.1% when he's on the ice, per Natural Stat Trick. Yet, the club still can't afford for its highest-paid forward to perform at a 17-point pace.
As a result, it wouldn't come as a surprise if the University of Michigan product is moved at some point before the 2027 NHL trade deadline in March.
Buffalo has an overabundance of forwards as well as some potential trade chips when it comes to defensive prospects and future draft picks. Using some of those resources to chase another game-changing player up front should be strongly considered.
Until that moment potentially arrives, however, the Sabres could really benefit from Norris getting back toward his previous scoring levels. He posted 34 points in 44 appearances last season.
Josh Norris is far from the only struggling Sabre
Although much of the criticism Norris has faced in recent weeks is warranted, it's impossible to blame the entirety of the Sabres' sluggish start on a single player.
Ryan McLeod and Josh Doan have only managed to match Norris' point total (three apiece), while Jason Zucker has just one point in six games since his return from injury. Prized prospect Konsta Helenius also struggled to meet the Calder Trophy expectations before getting hurt.
Buffalo basically has four players up front playing consistently well (Tage Thompson, Zach Benson, Jack Quinn and Noah Ostlund) and its top-four defense group has also been mostly solid (Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, Owen Power and Olen Zellweger).
Beyond that, it's been a struggle at times to generate an impact from the other 12 players who take the ice on a nightly basis, including lackluster play from its goalies, though that's improved lately.
The Sabres need to start playing more complete hockey. It's that simple.
They were incredibly difficult to play against in all three zones last season, which is why they went on one of the best runs in NHL history to finish fourth in the league in points (109). They were forechecking aggressively, outworking opponents along the wall and blocking shots.
That level of desperation has been missing far too often through 15 games. It's a team-wide issue and extends beyond a drop off in point production by a handful of players.
Getting Buffalo back to that level will be Ruff's biggest task in the weeks and months ahead. His team needs to start playing like every single point matters because there's a real chance it will given the top-to-bottom strength of the Eastern Conference.
The Sabres' next chance to start righting the ship comes Friday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
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