6 Buffalo Sabres That Need Breakout Seasons To End Playoff Drought

The Buffalo Sabers have missed the playoffs for 14 straight years. It's an NHL record and the longest active playoff drought in major pro sports, tied with the New York Jets. Many Sabres fans had hoped the team would be big spenders in free agency this offseason, but so far, they have felt let down.

Buffalo Sabres Additions

They traded forward JJ Peterka for a questionable return. Or, at least, what many fans consider questionable. They traded him to Utah for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan. Kesserling should be a top 4 pairing defenseman. Doan is unknown but is ready to make a full-time NHL roster and brings grittiness with offensive skill. Both of these players were in desperate need of the Sabres, and Peterka was unhappy here for whatever reason. Many had hoped for more, though. After all, Peterka was a good goal scorer who you now need to replace, and so far, the Sabres haven't done so.

Another upgrade, though not flashy, was the trade of defenseman Connor Clifton and a draft pick to Pittsburgh for defenseman Conor Timmins and depth forward  Isaac Belliveau. Many believe Timmons is a big upgrade over Clifton.

They also added a veteran to their goaltender room, Alex Lyon. Lyon has shown flashes of big-game ability in his career and has some impressive advanced analytics. He might be a late bloomer at 32 years old, which is a common occurrence in the NHL for goalies.

Bo Byram and More Needs

While these additions are positive ones, the lack of adding a top 6 forward or an established starting goalie is concerning to many fans. Many are waiting for the team to trade defenseman Bo Byram, who should fetch a good return, but thus far, nothing has happened. He is a restricted-free agent. The Sabres are taking him to arbitration in order to protect him from being given an offer sheet by another team. His status remains in limbo. General Manager Kevyn Adams says that they have looked at trading Byram, but would be perfectly fine with him playing this year in Buffalo.

So, it's very possible that the current roster is it for the 2026-26 season, which does not put a lot of faith into many Sabres Fans.

Who has to step up?

There are many choices, and it would be easy to say "everyone." If the Sabres can get their usual production out of players like Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Rasmus Dahlin, which is expected, then these players having breakout seasons should propel them to the postseason. By breakout, we mean significant increases in production.