The Buffalo Sabres may have picked up a 7-1 win over the New York Islanders in their final game before the holiday break, but things have been going horribly for the Atlantic Division club. Before this win, the Sabres were winless in 13 straight games.
With their atrocious run, the Sabres now have a 12-19-4 record and are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings. The chances of them breaking their 13-year playoff drought have decreased immensely, so changes could be on the way.
With this, the Sabres should have one big wish for Christmas this year – trading for a proven top-six forward before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline passes.
There is no question that the Sabres could use another skilled scorer in their top six. It was their most significant need this off-season, but they were unable to address it. Now, they should look to change that by the deadline.
Tage Thompson
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If the Sabres are unable to get back into the playoff race, they would be wise to target players with term rather than pending unrestricted free agents. Some intriguing potential options include Chris Kreider (New York Rangers), Rickard Rakell (Pittsburgh Penguins), and Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks).
Marco Rossi also could make sense as an option for the Sabres. While he has an expiring deal, he will be a restricted free agent rather than a UFA.
