The Buffalo Sabres came through with an impressive 7-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. What we saw was offensive excellence from the blueline by 2018 NHL first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin of Lidkoping, Sweden. Dahlin had three goals and two assists for five points. It was Dahlin’s first career NHL hat trick and the second time in Dahlin’s career he has had a five point game. On January 7, 2023, Dahlin had two goals and three assists for five points in a 6-5 Sabres overtime win over the Minnesota Wild.
When the Sabres were struggling earlier in the season, there were rumors that Dahlin was going to request a trade. Remember, Dahlin has not played a single playoff game in his first seven seasons for the Sabres. However, then the Sabres made a general manager change. Out was Kevyn Adams, and in was Jarmo Kekalainen. Since then, the Sabres have been smoking hot. They have climbed to third place in the Atlantic Division, and with 65 points, have the fourth most points in the Eastern Conference.
Now, instead of sellers, the Sabres are buyers at the trade deadline. This may be something that Sabres fans are simply not used to, but this is the position that they are in.
What player could the Sabres be interested in?
The answer is St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas of Aurora, Ontario. Thomas could be a second line centre and give the Sabres a boost to their top six. The Blues look like they will be sellers as they are last in the Central Division.
Would Thomas be an upgrade to Ryan McLeod?
This is a significant question, and one inquiry that may be challenging for Keklainen to answer. At first glance, you would think Thomas would provide the Sabres with great offensive scoring. That is because he averaged 77 points over his previous four seasons, and a career high 86 points as a NHL All-Star during the 2023-24 NHL season. However, in 2025-26, Thomas only has 33 points in 42 games. That is two points fewer than the Sabres current second line centre, Ryan McLeod of Mississauga, Ontario. Still, where McLeod has his greatest impact is as a checking line centre and great penalty killer. So, by having Thomas and McLeod on the roster, could benefit the Sabres organization as whole.
Why would Thomas not fit with the Sabres?
Thomas’s hefty contract. He is making $8.125 million each year through to 2030-31.
