The Buffalo Sabres' quest to end the franchise's 14-year playoff drought would benefit greatly from the addition of a high-upside, offensive-minded winger to join the club's top-six forward group.
There are a variety of NHL trade candidates who could fit the bill, but one stands out as a potentially intriguing solution: the St. Louis Blues' Jordan Kyrou, a 2022 All-Star selection.
Justin Giampietro of The Hockey Writers said Kyrou's on-ice fit with the Sabres "almost makes too much sense" as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6.
"Kyrou can add a dynamic element to the Sabres' top six and help cement the team as a threat in the Atlantic Division," Giampietro wrote. "The Blues, meanwhile, would have plenty of [Buffalo] prospects to choose from."
He noted the Sabres would have to do some financial maneuvering to fit the winger's $8.125 million salary under the cap, adding: "But when a player like Kyrou is available, you make the move first and ask questions later."
The 27-year-old Toronto native is having a down year for a struggling Blues team (19 points in 37 games), but he recorded 285 points (131 goals and 154 assists) across 317 appearances over the past four seasons in St. Louis.
Jordan Kyrou would provide a fascinating offensive boost to the surging Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres were essentially written off before embarking on a hot streak that included 13 victories in 14 contests, highlighted by a 10-game winning streak that matched the franchise record.
Buffalo is now back firmly in the playoff race as it sits ninth in the Eastern Conference in points (52) and tied for seventh in points percentage (.591). Yet, the jam-packed nature of the standings means the Blue and Gold can't afford even a minor cold spell if they want to keep pace.
That's why making at least one blockbuster trade before the deadline feels essential, especially as new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen tries to put his stamp on the roster.
Kekalainen, who replaced Kevyn Adams atop the Sabres front office on Dec. 15, earned a reputation as a fearless move-maker during his time as Columbus Blue Jackets GM.
Targeting Kyrou, who was nearly a point-per-game player before this season's dip in production, is exactly the type of move Buffalo needs to round out its lineup.
The 6-foot-1 forward would likely slot in on the Sabres' top line alongside Tage Thompson and Zach Benson. It's an acquisition that would also give Kekalainen more flexibility when it comes to Alex Tuch, an impending unrestricted free agent who's seeking a long-term, high-value extension.
Bringing in Kyrou only to then trade Tuch isn't the ideal scenario, of course. It would still leave a scoring void atop Buffalo's lineup. The front office needs to keep as many options as possible on the table until a Tuch resolution arrives, though.
Meanwhile, it appears the Blues could be heading toward a deadline fire sale after sliding to 13th in the Western Conference with 44 points.
St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong confirmed last month he'd have to consider making trades if the team's season didn't turn around quickly and noted there were "really no untouchables."
Along with Kyrou, center Robert Thomas is another Blues player who could be of interest to the Sabres between now and the deadline. The NHL also has a roster freeze during the 2026 Winter Olympics in February, which will condense the amount of time for trades.
All told, whether it's Kyrou, Thomas or a player from another team, Kekalainen is already facing a lot of pressure to find a high-impact addition to the roster to keep the Sabres competitive in what will likely be a playoff chase determined by one or two points in the end.
Buffalo desperately wants to finish above that cut line, and it'll likely require some outside reinforcements to make it happen.