- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Buffalo Sabres fell 4-3 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, collecting one point in the standings. The setback comes as the club, which ended a 15-year playoff drought last season, aims to advance past the second round next spring.
General manager Jarmo Kekalainen, approximately one year into his tenure, faces limited flexibility with roughly $1.8 million in salary cap space. Both Sabres goaltenders, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Colten Ellis, have posted save percentages below .900 this season.
Kekalainen has reportedly explored the trade market. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck has emerged as a potential target to address the team's netminding struggles. Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has also surfaced in speculation, though such a move is considered highly unlikely. Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko has drawn interest through a comparable to a Toronto Maple Leafs transaction. Ryan McLeod has been described as an above-average player but not a star.
The Sabres retain all first-round selections in the next three drafts. Kekalainen has emphasized that Buffalo supporters merit elite talent, with one report paraphrasing his stance as seeking "star power. That's what Buffalo fans deserve."
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).