Sabres & Flyers Emerging as Trade Partners

Monday, March 02, 2026

Keep an eye on the Buffalo Sabres before Friday's trade deadline, as they'll be buying this season. The Sabres have finally turned the corner and appear headed for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and management is going to make a couple of upgrades to try and give the team the boost they need to make some noise.

One team to watch - Philadelphia Flyers, and specifically, defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen. The Sabres want to add to the right side of their blueline, and a reunion with Ristolainen appears to be on the table. The 31-year-old d-man doesn't have any trade protection, he's owed $5.1million AAV through next season, and the Sabres would love to add his physical style of play to their d-core for a playoff push.

The Sabres enter the week with a 35-19-6 record, sitting second in the Atlantic Division. They have $7.1 million in deadline cap space and are expected to use all their resources for upgrades. 

Expect to see a prospect and a mid-round pick heading to Philly in this deal, as Ristolainen won't demand a first-round pick in return. The Sabres don't have a 2026 second-round pick, so if a second is included, will be 2027.

If the Sabres don't pull the trigger, don't be surprised to see Ristolainen moved to either the Utah Mammoth, Ottawa Senators, or Edmonton Oilers. All three teams are looking to boost the right side of the blueline and Ristolainen fits as a potential trade target.

Ristolainen did a great job to boost his trade value at the recent Olympics, and talks have picked up significantly the past week, or so. Even though the Flyers are just six points out of a playoff spot in the East, fully expect to see the towering defenceman moved before 3pm est Friday.

Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors