It’s time for another Sunday edition of NHL Rumours here at Last Word On Hockey. In this edition, the conversation will centre on the Buffalo Sabres. In particular, the focus will be on the Sabres’ plans to add scoring depth amid what looks to be a resurgence following the hiring of Jarmo Kekalainen as the club’s general manager.
Sabres Could Add Scoring Depth by Targeting Disgruntled Forward, per Insider
Rumour: Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic believes the Sabres could target disgruntled winger Yegor Chinakhov of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Chinakhov has been part of NHL rumours since last summer. Plus, his connection to Kekalainen further fuels speculation.
Analysis: The Buffalo Sabres have seemingly gotten a major GM bump this season. Since the promotion of Jarmo Kekalainen, the club has reeled off seven-straight wins. The club has escaped the Atlantic Division and is three points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
That situation has prompted talk of the Sabres going out and getting reinforcement. With impending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch potentially becoming a trade target, it makes sense for Buffalo to make good on some NHL rumours.
In particular, Fairburn had this to say in a December 27 piece about the Sabres targetting Chinakhov:
“The Sabres are a wild card on the trade market with new general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen. Veterans such as Blake Coleman, Boone Jenner, and Bryan Rust would be worthwhile targets. But Chinakhov feels more realistic, considering Kekäläinen drafted him and the cost to acquire him would be lower.”
There’s always the chance the Sabres go big-game hunting. For instance. Coleman has hit the NHL rumours circuit big-time in the last few weeks. But unless Buffalo can find a willing partner, it seems a more measured approach could be on the horizon. Either way, you can tell they are trying, on the ice and off.
Chinakhov has scored three goals and three assists for six points in 29 games this season. The former first-round pick from 2020 has missed time due to injury this season. The arrival of Mason Marchment, however, could lead the Blue Jackets to reassess his role in the lineup. That was a big acquisition, now they just need to see how it all fits together. Marchment is off to a hot start with three goals in his first two games in Ohio.
Buffalo May Become Major Player in NHL Rumours
As Fairburn noted, the Sabres could become a major wild card heading into the 2026 NHL trade deadline. If the team continues to improve in the standings, NHL rumours will likely kick into high gear. The standings are so tight, Buffalo might jump at the opportunity. The club has pieces to deal this season. Beyond Tuch, there has been talk of Owen Power or Bowen Byram being in the mix.
If the Sabres can find a willing trade partner, there’s a good chance they can make a splash. It remains unclear what Buffalo can manage, as there are various other clubs looking to make waves, as well.
Main Photo: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images