To say that it has been an eventful 24 hours for the Buffalo Sabres would be an understatement. Yesterday afternoon, word came down that Colton Parayko exercised his no-trade clause, vetoing a move to Buffalo. Less than 12 hours later, the Sabres swung another significant trade with the Winnipeg Jets.
Oh, they also played the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that has had their number this season. This time, the Sabres were game, going on a run in the second period to win 5-1 and move into a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division.
Owen Power is Coming into His Own
Something that doesn’t get talked about enough is the development of Owen Power. Often criticized for his defensive play and his unwillingness to use his size, Power has had a revelatory season, though it may not necessarily look like it.
On paper, he’s taken a slight step back from his offensive pace, though he did have a goal and an assist against the Penguins. But watching him play is another story. He has been playing with a patience and confidence that haven’t been there in seasons past.
Power will never be a Chris Pronger type who bullies opposing forwards with his size. That said, he’s using his size more effectively to guide forwards outside, using his skating to push the pace up the ice, and showing a completeness to his game like never before.
The Sabres’ Top 4 is Among the League’s Best
It can’t be talked about enough just how good the Sabres top four defensemen – Power, Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, and Bowen Byram – have been this season. They log the vast majority of the ice time for the defense, providing reliable play on a nightly basis.
Related: How the Sabres Should Approach the 2026 Trade Deadline
They are also one of the best groups in the league at driving offense for their team. Dahlin is tied for second on the team with 53 points. Samuelsson has been a revelation, logging career-highs across the board while playing shutdown defense. Byram has matched his career-high in goals and is closing in on points as well. We’ve already covered Power’s contributions.
Part of what made the trade so valuable for the Sabres is that it helps take some of the pressure off of the top four. Even if it’s a few minutes respite each night, that will go a long way toward ensuring that they remain healthy and fresh going into the playoffs.
Special Teams Had a Field Day
The special teams have long been panned, and rightfully so. This season, however, things have been different. On Thursday against the Penguins, the special teams was the difference-maker in the win.
Ryan McLeod continues to make the trade that brought him to town a win, picking up his league-leading fifth shorthanded goal. Alex Tuch would add his second shorthanded goal of the season later in the game with a Josh Norris power play sandwiched in between.
The Sabres now have the fourth-best penalty killing unit in the league. Sitting at 17th, the power play is respectable enough to not cost them games. If the power play can kick into gear just a little, it will take the Sabres to another level.
Riding the Momentum
Though there is always potential for more, the Sabres are liking done making additions. Given how this team has played so far this season, the move makes sense. They are finally coming into their own as a group, and it turns out they are one of the best in the league.
The Sabres now gear up for a five-game home stretch where they will play four teams not currently in the playoffs. A showdown with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday is the biggest game and should have major implications.
