In just a few days, the Buffalo Sabres will return to action on the ice. As they attempt to stay above the playoff cut line in the Eastern Conference, there will be rumors swirling as to what they may or may not do at the NHL trade deadline.
New management is in place, led by Jarmo Kekalainen, and may be looking to make a move that will secure the coveted playoff berth the team has been seeking for 15 years. One player they may look at trading for is Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman.
The Flames forward has been linked to a trade since the turn of this year. Teams such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings and Utah Mammoth have all been linked to the winger. The Sabres, though, should also be among the teams interested.
The Sabres have had offensive production from obviously Tage Thompson. among others. However, another high-scoring forward, Alex Tuch, has been on the trading block for Buffalo.
As a result, Coleman can be the missing piece that can not only get them in the playoffs but make a run when they get there.
Blake Coleman has a plus-10 rating while with the Flames and could be positive addition for the Sabres
Coleman, 34, has 13 goals on the year and seems to be aggressive on the offensive end of the ice. And if the Sabres made a move, they could always use assertiveness behind the net.
The fact the Flames are looking to move Coleman also means that the Sabres may not need to give up as much for other forwards who aren't look to be dealt. Another positive would be the Sabres would receive an additional season as the forward finishes a six-year contract in 2026-27.
One of the reasons that Tuch has been on the trading block is due to his contract being up at the end of the current campaign. Having a forward under contract through next year, they wouldn't be under pressure to negotiate a new deal for Coleman, which could be enticing for the Sabres.
Coleman won back-to-back Stanley Cups while with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021. If the Sabres want to make a deep playoff journey and not just be glad to be there, they will need a veteran who knows what it takes to make a run. Coleman could provide that pedigree.
As February turns to March and the spring starts, the pressure now is on for the Sabres to finally reach the postseason. Adding as many pieces as possible to help them get there will assist in that endeavor. Staying open to an option like Coleman should be on their radar.