Will the Buffalo Sabres ever escape their endless rebuild?

Another year, another disappointment for the team in Northern New York. With a dismal 22-27-5 record and an Eastern Conference-low 48 points heading into the 4 Nations Face-Off break, it’s all but certain the Sabres will miss the playoffs again. That’ll make it a staggering 14 straight seasons without a postseason appearance.

The last time they made the cut was in 2010-11. Compare that to the Detroit Red Wings (eight seasons) and Ottawa Senators (seven seasons), who are currently in Wild Card spots, and it’s clear: Buffalo’s rebuild is stuck in neutral.

The Sabres are expected to sell at the March 7 trade deadline, the big question is: who’s on the chopping block? Will they blow it up?

Right-shot center Dylan Cozens has been swirling in trade rumours. The 24-year-old, drafted seventh overall in 2019, had a breakout year in 2022-23 with 31 goals and 68 points but hasn’t replicated that success this season. With just 11 goals and 27 points in 54 games, Cozens hasn’t lived up to his $7.1 million cap hit, which runs until 2029-30.

Yes, teams are interested, two-thirds of the NHL have reportedly inquired, but the big question is: does anyone, including the Edmonton Oilers, want to take on that contract? With a five-team no-trade clause kicking in before the 2027-28 season, moving Cozens could be tricky.

Enter Jason Zucker. The 33-year-old winger is having a solid year, putting up 18 goals and 41 points in 52 games, third and fourth-most on the Sabres, respectively. He’s on pace for 27 goals and 63 points, just shy of his career-best season.

Zucker’s a rental option with an expiring $5 million contract, making him a potentially affordable top-six addition for the Oilers. While he doesn’t kill penalties and isn’t a center, the Sabres could retain salary to sweeten the deal. If Edmonton is looking for a quick, cheap upgrade, Zucker might be their guy.

At 6’6” and 227 pounds, Jordan Greenway brings size and physicality to the ice. The 27-year-old left winger has only played 20 games this season, tallying three goals and seven points, but he’s known for his gritty play and penalty-killing ability. Greenway has laid down 54 hits in limited action, making him an intriguing bottom-six option.

Set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, Greenway carries a manageable $3 million cap hit and an eight-team no-trade list. Currently on Injured Reserve, he’s expected to return after the break—potentially just in time to be moved.

Could Bowen Byram be the key piece the Sabres dangle? The 23-year-old left-shot defenseman is having a strong season, with seven goals and 29 points in 54 games, just shy of his career-high numbers. But with Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power locked in as Buffalo’s top left-handed defensemen, Byram might be the odd man out.

Byram’s $3.85 million cap hit makes him an attractive target, and he’ll be a restricted free agent at season’s end. For a team like the Oilers, who need depth on defence, Byram could be a game-changer.

Henri Jokiharju isn’t flashy, but he could be a cost-effective addition for a team needing defensive depth. The Finnish right-shot defenseman has just one goal and four points in 39 games this season, but his career-best year in 2023-24 (20 points in 74 games) shows he can contribute when needed. He’s also seen time on the penalty kill, logging nearly 30 minutes shorthanded this season.

With a $3.1 million cap hit and no trade protection, Jokiharju is an affordable option. But is he the answer for a team like Edmonton? Probably not if they’re looking for a second-pairing defender.

If Edmonton wants a more reliable defensive presence, Connor Clifton might be worth a look. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman isn’t known for his offence (eight points in 48 games), but his physicality (139 hits, which would lead the Oilers) and penalty-killing ability make him a valuable asset. Clifton’s career-best season came in 2022-23 with Boston, where he tallied 23 points.

With a $3.333 million cap hit through 2025-26, Clifton offers term and stability. Pairing him with Darnell Nurse could bolster Edmonton’s blue line, giving them a steady, hard-hitting defender who occasionally chips in offensively.

Need a backup goalie? James Reimer’s name has surfaced as a potential target. The veteran netminder has struggled in limited action this year, posting a rough .864 save percentage with the Ducks before rebounding to .908 in nine games with the Sabres. His career numbers (.910 SV%, 2.88 GAA) suggest he can still be serviceable.

Reimer’s $1 million cap hit makes him an affordable rental, but is he really the solution for Edmonton? The Oilers would be wise to target a goalie capable of splitting starts with Stuart Skinner, rather than settling for a pure backup option.

The Sabres are once again sellers, and the clock is ticking to make moves before the trade deadline. Whether it’s Cozens, Zucker, or a blue-liner like Byram or Clifton, Buffalo has intriguing pieces to offer. But for a team stuck in perpetual rebuild mode, the bigger question remains: when will they finally take the leap forward? Until then, it’s just more of the same for Sabres fans—waiting, watching, and wondering if this roster will ever deliver.