The 2026 NHL trade deadline has come and gone. For Jarmo Kekáláinen and the Buffalo Sabres, they were active. Buffalo did make a couple of moves. After failing to land Colton Parayko, the Sabres decided to add a couple of blueliners from the Winnipeg Jets.
They acquired defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn from the Jets in exchange of defenseman Jacob Bryson, forward Isak Rosên, a 2027 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick. While Schenn and Stanley are not the best players, they're two big and physical bodies to have on the blue line.
In addition to the trade with Winnipeg, Buffalo also acquired forward Sam Carrick from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick as well as a 2026 sixth-round pick that belongs to Chicago. The Sabres weren't done, however, as they received forward Tanner Pearson from the Jets for a 2026 7th round pick.
When the Sabres defeated the Nashville Predators, Carrick won two crucial faceoffs to preserve the win. In Sunday night's thrilling victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, Carrick scored a goal as well as doing what he's known for, trying to spark his team by engaging physically.
The message is simple: Buffalo is going all-in
If this deadline taught us anything, it's that Buffalo is not just going for a playoff spot, they're trying to win the Stanley Cup. The regular season and playoffs are a whole different story. When the postseason starts, the games get more physical.
If you saw Sunday night's win, then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. It was nasty and it was physical. That game showed why the general manager acquired the players he got. When the playoffs come around, that's how every game will be played. Physical and nasty.
Even Kekáláinen acknowledged that Buffalo was getting pushed around and they addressed that with the additions of Stanley, Schenn and Carrick, who will be the fourth-line center. As for the rest of the new players, they will not play until they get their visas all sorted out.
Fans might not realize it, but these moves are critical to the Sabres success. Believe me, having the physicality will benefit the club, especially if they're serious about making a run in the postseason. I personally was very happy about the deadline and, while they weren't the most exciting moves, I think Kekáláinen did a great job adding to the team.
At the end of the day, we will see how things play out. One thing is for sure, however: Buffalo is going for it in hopes to end the playoff drought and finally bring playoff hockey back to the 716.