Sabres Off To Decent Start, But What GM Jarmo Kekalainen Needs To Do Is Pull Off A Blockbuster Tradee

The Hockey News' Adam Proteau argues that Buffalo Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen needs to orchestrate a blockbuster trade to elevate the team into Stanley Cup contention. Following a 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens, Proteau notes that while Buffalo ended its 15-year playoff drought last season, the franchise requires elite star talent to progress beyond the second round.

Proteau suggests the Sabres could leverage future first-round draft picks to upgrade either their goaltending or top-six forward group. Potential trade targets mentioned include Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, especially given the sub-.900 save percentages of Buffalo goaltenders Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Colten Ellis.