JUST IN: The NHL’s off-season has begun, and in this THN.com series, we’re focusing on possible trade partners for the Sabres as General Manager Kevyn Adams names a potential trade partner for the team…

As the NHL off-season officially kicks off, teams across the league are making moves to strengthen their rosters, clear cap space, or acquire missing pieces for a deeper playoff run. One of the more intriguing teams to watch is the Buffalo Sabres, a franchise that has been hovering on the cusp of a breakthrough but has yet to make a postseason appearance since 2011.

General Manager Kevyn Adams has made it clear that the Sabres intend to be active this off-season, and in an exclusive with The Hockey News, Adams hinted at a potential trade partner that could help reshape Buffalo’s roster heading into the 2025–26 season.

“We’re in a position where we have flexibility,” Adams said. “Whether it’s young talent, cap space, or assets, we feel we can be aggressive if the right opportunity comes along. And there are a few teams we’ve already had good conversations with.”

According to sources close to the organization, one of those teams could be the Calgary Flames. The Flames are in the midst of a transitional phase, having missed the playoffs and signaling a potential retooling of their core. With veterans like defenseman Rasmus Andersson and forward Andrew Mangiapane reportedly drawing interest across the league, the Sabres could look to leverage their deep prospect pool and ample cap space to make a deal.

Why Calgary?

The Flames and Sabres match up well on paper. Buffalo needs a top-four, right-shot defenseman to complement emerging blue-liners like Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin. Andersson, who logs heavy minutes and plays with a physical edge, could be an ideal fit. Meanwhile, Calgary is in need of younger, cost-controlled forwards, and Buffalo boasts one of the NHL’s top prospect pipelines, including names like Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosén.

Additionally, Mangiapane’s two-way game and versatility could provide a boost to Buffalo’s middle-six forward group, giving coach Don Granato more flexibility in the lineup.

Other Potential Partners

Aside from Calgary, Adams acknowledged that discussions are ongoing with “multiple teams,” including those looking to shed salary ahead of a tighter-than-expected cap situation. The Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators have also been floated as possibilities, particularly if Buffalo is looking to make a larger move involving goaltending or top-line scoring help.

Buffalo enters the off-season with over $20 million in projected cap space and a surplus of draft picks, including two second-round selections in the upcoming NHL Draft. The team also has decisions to make on pending RFAs like Peyton Krebs and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

What’s Next?

With the 2025 NHL Draft and free agency looming, the coming weeks will be crucial for Kevyn Adams and the Sabres’ front office. Whether they look to make a splash by trading for a high-profile veteran or strategically add depth, the message is clear: the Sabres are done waiting.

“We owe it to our fans, and to our players, to take the next step,” Adams said. “We’re not going to force anything, but we’re ready to make moves that help us win now.”

Stay tuned to THN.com as our trade partner series continues, breaking down the best fits for teams looking to shake things up this summer.