As the 4 Nations Face-Off kicks off, NHL teams are now putting their focus on the post-tournament stretch before the playoffs. Some teams are thinking about their potential playoff run while others, like the Buffalo Sabres, are thinking about what the offseason holds.
Given that the Sabres are six points back of the second-worst team(s) in the Eastern Conference, it is safe to say that the playoffs aren’t happening. Even with the playoffs out of reach, there are things that the Sabres need to be working on going into the offseason. Here are three goals that can help make the transition into the 2025-26 season a bit better.
Finishing the Season with Momentum
If this were the beginning stages of a rebuild, the goal would be to tank and get the best pick possible. But the Sabres have been there and done that before, sadly multiple times. They have foundational pieces like Rasmus Dahlin to build around, but there is seemingly no one safe heading into the trade deadline.
What the Sabres really need is to finish the season with a positive record. They need to show that there are indeed pieces in the room that can get this team over the hump. A complete collapse might mean another top pick, but the Sabres have shown that the deepest prospect pool in the league will only take you so far.
With 28 games remaining, it would be ideal if they could win 15 of those games or more. Their schedule is one of the toughest in the league, so it will be an uphill battle. Things are going to be tense this summer no matter what, but it will be worse if the Sabres finish last by a mile.
Figuring Out the Structure of the Team
Perhaps the biggest challenge facing this team going into the offseason is determining who will be there. A culture shift is needed, but that doesn’t necessarily mean trading everyone. Guys like Jordan Greenway could be on the move as is typically the case with a team that isn’t going to make the playoffs.
Related: Best Fits for Sabres’ Jason Zucker at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline
But as discussed above, the Sabres have depth in the prospect pool. They need an established player or two who can step into the lineup now and make a difference. Unfortunately, that’s a lot easier said than done. Just ask general manager Kevyn Adams, who has been linked to every deal under the sun.
A fire sale is not the answer. Adams is saying all the right…
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