Heading into the season, the Buffalo Sabers faced one clear expectation: make the playoffs. Their young, up-and-coming team is brimming with talent and potential, led by a promising core including Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. With a solid foundation, the Sabers are gradually inching closer to their status as legitimate contenders. However, ending their playoff drought will require making key roster upgrades.

To take the next step, the Sabers may need to add veteran leadership, strengthen their defensive corps or acquire a game-changing forward. The commercial market presents a great opportunity to address these areas and accelerate the team’s progress. With the holiday roster freeze – no trades can take place from December 19 at 11:59 p.m. to December 28 at 12:01 a.m. – it’s a great time to evaluate potential targets. Here are five players the Sabers should consider pursuing once the roster freeze is lifted.

Brandon Saad

Brandon Saad32-year-old left winger, spent the last 3.5 seasons with the St. Louis Blues. According to several insiders, including Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet Saturday Headlinesthe Blues are exploring trade options for the veteran forward. Saad has recorded 10 points (four goals and six assists) in 30 games this season, and his advanced stats place him in the 17th percentile offensively and 46th percentile defensively.

Saad is under contract through the 2025-26 season with a $4.5 million cap hit and holds a no-trade clause this season. However, according to Friedman, Saad would be ready to waive his no-trade clause for most teams. Once his contract expires, he is expected to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA).

Acquiring Saad would be a low-risk move for Sabers general manager Kevyn Adams to inject veteran leadership into a young team. The winger also brings the potential for additional scoring depth, an area where the Sabers could use more consistency. Saad’s experience could also help emerging players like Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn elevate their game.

Simulated trading:

Sabers acquire

The Blues acquire

• Conditional fourth-round pick in 2025 (Conditions: Pick converts to third-round pick if Saad plays 85% of games with Sabres)

Andrew Peeke

Peeke, a 26-year-old defenseman, plays for the Boston Bruins, where he averages 16:51 of ice time per game as part of the third defensive pairing with Mason Lohrei. In 29 games this season, Peeke has six assists. While there isn’t much buzz surrounding the Bruins trading the right-handed defenseman, an attractive offer from Adams could spark discussions with Bruins general manager Don Sweeney.

Peeke is signed through the 2025-26 season with a $2.75 million cap hit and has no trade protection, making him an accessible trade target for Buffalo. His analytics show he ranks in the 17th percentile offensively but in the 46th percentile defensively. When his contract expires, Peeke will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). However, Adams may approach any potential trade with caution, possibly preferring a conditional deal over a contract extension.

Peeke could be a great fit for Buffalo’s second defensive pairing alongside Power. His consistent defensive presence would allow Power to play a more dynamic role moving the puck rather than focusing on two-way responsibilities, thereby maximizing Power’s offensive advantage.

Simulated trade:

Sabers acquire

Bruins acquire

• Denis Gilbert
• 2025 sixth round pick

Vincent Desharnais

Desharnaisa 28-year-old right-handed defenseman, currently plays for the Vancouver Canucks. This season, he has just two assists in 21 games, but excels as a true home defender, ranking in the 75th percentile defensively despite being 10th percentile offensively. His underlying numbers suggest he might be underutilized in Vancouver, making him a compelling trade target for teams in need of defensive stability.

Related: Sabers have poor leadership to blame for 12-game losing streak

Reports from multiple insiders indicate the Canucks are willing to move Desharnais. Friedman recently noted in his 32 Thoughts Column that “Vancouver is trying to find a better candidate for Vincent Desharnais. It just didn’t turn out the way everyone hoped.

Desharnais is signed through the 2025-26 season with a $2 million cap hit and no trade protections, simplifying any potential deal. He will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) when his current contract expires.

Desharnais would be an ideal addition to the Sabres’ blue line. His shutdown presence would complement Power on the second defensive pairing, allowing Power to focus on his offensive and puck-moving strengths rather than the two-way responsibilities he currently handles. Acquiring Desharnais would fill a key need, and Adams should seriously consider pursuing the defenseman if he hasn’t already.

Simulated trade:

Acquire swords

Canucks acquire

• Sam Lafferty
• 2025 seventh round pick

Jon Merrill

Merrill, a 32-year-old defenseman, played a key role in the Minnesota Wild’s strong performance this season, cementing their status as one of the best teams in the NHL. Merrill is in the final year of his contract, which carries a $1.22 million cap hit, and he has no trade protections. He will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the season.

In 26 games, Merrill has recorded three assists and ranks in the fourth percentile offensively, but an impressive 81st percentile defensively. Even though he’s far from being traded, it wouldn’t hurt for Adams to inquire about his availability.

Like Desharnais, Merrill is a defensive specialist who doesn’t contribute much offensively but excels in positional play and defensive reliability. His veteran presence would provide immediate value to the Sabres, especially their young blue line. Despite Buffalo’s past struggles integrating veteran players, Merrill’s skills and leadership make him a cut above previous acquisitions.

Merrill could fit nicely alongside Power in the second defensive pairing, allowing Power to focus on his offensive strengths while Merrill takes on the stopping responsibilities. His addition could be a smart move for the Sabers if Adams can get a deal done.

Simulated trade:

Sabers acquire

Wild acquisition

• Jacob Brison
• 2025 fourth round pick

Ilya Mikheev

Mikheyev, a 30-year-old winger, would be a great fit for the Sabres’ bottom six players. He has 12 points (seven goals and five assists) in 32 games. His current contract lasts through the 2025-2026 season with a cap hit of $4.037 million. It has a modified no-trade clause with a 12-team no-trade slate. He is also a UFA after the contract expired.

Mikheyev would bring a nice veteran presence to the team and help the younger players improve their defensive game. He could also help immensely on defense, as he ranks in the 99th percentile. He could also help explosive forwards like Thompson, Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka play looser and try to create more offense.

Simulated trade:

Sabers acquire

The Blackhawks acquire

2025 third round pick

The Sabers must make a trade

The Sabers need help up front and on the blue line. Acquiring any of the five players listed above would have an immediate impact and would be very affordable and cheap. The team needs one or two players who add that veteran presence in the locker room and can also provide value on the ice. Even if it’s not one of those players, Adams needs to make a move for a player who could have made his team’s roster and he believes he can make an impact in an expanded role within the Sabers and help mentor young players.

Will Adams make a trade for a player who has some value to the team?

Sources: Percentile ranks come from Hockey in evolution