The New York Rangers were active today on the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline day. They completed a transaction with the Buffalo Sabres, in exchange went Nicolas Aube-Kubel. For him, the Blueshirts gave up Erik Brannstrom (the Brannchise, for Sens fans). So, let’s see what transpired.

The #sabres are acquiring Erik Brannstrom from #NYR for Nicolas Aube-Kubel.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 7, 2025

Nicolas Aube-Kubel a Ranger (and Erik Brannstrom a Sabre) after Trade

The trade must begin with the playoff-calibre team, sorry Brannstrom. The New York Rangers are heavily entrenched in the Eastern Conference wild card race. Thus, an addition like this on the trade deadline is noteworthy. Kubel has been between the NHL and AHL this season, but as a NHL player. Therefore, his style is calibrated for the playoff game. In 19 games for the Sabres this year, he has two points in 19 games. He’s a physical player, who four seasons in the NHL has recorded 100 or more hits. Having made trades like the J.T. Miller acquisition and shipping out Ryan Lindgren, it has been an adventurous stretch for the Rangers organization.

Erik Brannstrom Joins the Buffalo Sabres

With the trade of Brannstrom and Aube-Kubel there are some aspects to consider, no doubt. Brannstrom has had a slow development through the Ottawa Senators program. However, it was somewhat a slow development for the 25 year old. Brannstrom is extremely skilled. Furthermore, in his career, he is up to 67 assists and 77 points in 294 career regular season games.

In 2021-22, he was playing nearly 20 minutes a game. He is a nearly elite skater, he could succeed under different circumstances. In addition, he requires power play to thrive. In a little over 330 career minutes on the power play, he was comfortably over three points/60 minutes three times. Also, he was partnered up with Thomas Chabot quite often. It was difficult to think that he was the problem. Therefore, he really wasn’t given opportunity under the former general manager Pierre Dorion regime.

In the end, the Rangers are trying to desperately make the playoffs. That is an unusual perspective for Ranger fans. But adding Miller, Brannstrom, and Carson Soucy at the trade deadline means something. They are, at the very least, trying to retool on the fly. For the Sabres, Brannstrom has the potential to succeed as an offensive-minded, top-four defenceman. He hasn’t thus far, but who knows what opportunity he might get in Buffalo. Let’s give this one to the Rangers.

Main Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

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The Buffalo Sabres are continuing their endless rebuild with another move. News emerged that the Sabres have traded defenceman Henri Jokiharju to the Boston Bruins. Details on what Buffalo is getting back emerged into Friday evening of the deadline. It’s is only a fourth-round pick, for a guy who has been a regular in Sabre uniform for a while. As a note, it is an Edmonton Oiler pick originally.

The Sabres officially send Henri Jokiharju to Boston for a fourth-round pick in 2026 NHL Draft. It's Edmonton's pick they're getting.

— Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) March 7, 2025

Buffalo Sabres Defenceman Henri Jokiharju Traded

Jokiharju has played for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Sabres over his seven-year NHL career. The 25-year-old has three goals and three assists for six points in 42 games this season. He has a Corsi for of 50.0 and a relative Corsi of -1.9.

The Oulu, Finland has 19 goals and 74 assists for 93 points in 389 career games. Chicago originally drafted him in the first round, 29th overall of the 2017 NHL Draft. He also had a strong major junior career with the Portland Winterhawks of the WHL.

Jokiharju has played for his native Finland at the international level. He won gold at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championships in Canada. The blueliner also got a gold the same year at the senior level of the 2019 IIHF World Championships. Jokiharju was also part of the Finnish squad that competed at the most-recent Four Nations Face-Off.

What It Means

This another move in the Sabres perpetual rebuilding process. Jokiharju doesn’t provide a lot of goals, but is a solid lockdown veteran defenceman. He’s been one of the few bright spots on a Sabres team that continues to struggle.

Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams continues to try to piece things together as the team is still in the wilderness. Jokiharju is able to now play for a team that has a shot at making a run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He can settle in as a middle or bottom-pair defender.

Buffalo will once again be picking near the top of the NHL Draft. Sabres fans are watching another talented player leave Western New York in the hopes of stockpiling more picks and assets.

Boston continues its makeover after trading over a number of key on Friday’s trade deadline. Those players include Brad Marchand, Charlie Coyle, and Brandon Carlo. Jokiharju will slot into the Bruins’ defensive group that’s in flux.

Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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Looks like the Ottawa Senators got their man at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Also, the Buffalo Sabres are certainly taking care of business to try to rework the makeup of their lineup. The trade shakes down as the Sens receive Dylan Cozens, Dennis GIlbert and a 2026 second-round pick and going to Buffalo are Joshua Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker. This is a major trade and more of a shakeup than an upgrade for either side.

TRADE ALERT: The #Sens have acquired F Dylan Cozens, D Dennis Gilbert, and a 2026 2nd round pick from @BuffaloSabres in exchange for F Josh Norris and D Jacob Bernard-Docker.

Les #Sens ont acquis l’attaquant Dylan Cozens, le défenseur Dennis Gilbert et un choix de deuxième ronde… pic.twitter.com/Q46BP2zDk3

— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) March 7, 2025

Buffalo Sabres Make Dylan Cozens Trade

Dylan Cozens has only played for the Sabres over his five-year NHL career. The 24-year-old has 11 goals and 20 assists and 31 points in 61 games so far this season. He has a Corsi for of 54.9% and relative Corsi of 6.1.

The Whitehorse, Yukon native has 77 goals for 197 points in 341 career games. Buffalo originally drafted him in the first round, seventh overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Cozens has represented his native Canada at the international level. He was part of the Team Canada squad that won a gold medal at the 2020 IIHF World Juniors. He also got a silver in the 2021 tournament. Cozens also got a silver at the senior level in the 2022 IIHF World Championships.

Trade Signals Something Bigger in Ottawa

Cozens was one of the bigger prizes and the youngster has a new home. The player is called the “Workhorse from Whitehorse” for a number of reasons. He hasn’t been able to replicate the production from his 31-goal campaign last season. However, he still has plenty of promise and teams lined up to get him.

The youngster has been willing to get his hands dirty on the defensive end. He’s also been willing to drop the gloves when needed to. Cozen’s name has been in the news for weeks about a possible trade, and the Senators were able to put together a deal to get it done.

For Buffalo, it’s the case that another young player is being sent out the door for assets. However, this time it is pretty equal return.

From the Dylan Cozens Trade, What is Buffalo Getting

Josh Norris has had a very rocky time in Ottawa. He has constantly been the target of trade rumours. Moreover, on trade deadline day in 2025, Sens general manager Steven Staios finally found a deal that worked. Norris is having a decent season, hitting the 20-goal mark for the only second time of his career. The first was his career high of 35 in 2021-22. In all, he has 33 points in 53 games played this season.

Throughout his time in Ottawa, in parts of six seasons, he suited up for 236 games. Injuries, specifically to his shoulder have always slowed him down. However, maybe the change of scenery can spell a change of luck. That’s what general manager Kevyn Adams is banking on. Norris is a speedy, offensively-minded centre, who can play different roles. It’s more of a comfort thing with him and finding where he can best fit.

It a bit of unfortunate news for longtime Ottawa Senators fans, as today they moved on from a defenceman. Jacob Bernard-Docker, who had recently been out with an ankle injury, has been involved in a trade.

You may recall that Jacob Bernard-Docker is a former Alumni of the University of North Dakota. This has long been a breeding ground for the Sens. Players like Shane Pinto and Tyler Kleven, along with JBD, were all teammates at UND once upon a time. It was hoped this year that Kleven and Bernard-Docker would renew that chemistry, and form a strong third pairing on the Sens blueline this year. However, with injuries, including the one to Bernard-Docker, combined with a hard-to-move contract in Travis Hamonic, the Sens had few options.

Just What is Buffalo Getting with JBD

For Bernard-Docker, he was a first-round draft pick for the Sens back in 2018. He is former member of the Team Canada World Junior Team, and carried high expectations. Conversely, he was never really able to catch on in Ottawa, often in favour of more experience.

In parts of five NHL seasons, he is still only up to 129 career games. Moreover, he has done well overall, skating over 15 minutes a game, and netting 20 career points. He’s a good skater, good breakout passer. Hopefully this new opportunity for him will really tap into his strength and abilities.

Overall, it seems to be a trade that works for both sides. Norris was long the source of rumours in Ottawa and now he gets a clean slate. Also, Cozens brings the type of intensity and skill that is prevalent in Ottawa already. He’s sure to be a hit among guys like Brady Tkachuk and has the hands to keep up with Tim Stützle’s creativity. Well done Staios and Adams.

Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig – Imagn Images

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Jason Zucker has done a lot in his hockey career. In 2010, he won a gold medal in the World Juniors. In his 14-year NHL career, he has been a 30-goal scorer. He has also had a positive impact in his community, winning the King Clancy Award in 2019 for it. Now, the California native has inked a two-year contract extension. The deal is for two years and is $9.5 million total. This works out to a cap hit of $4.75 million per season and the deal runs out at the end of the 2026-27 season.

The Buffalo Sabres have extended Jason Zucker to a two-year contract extension worth $4.75 million per season.

(via @DarrenDreger) pic.twitter.com/wX6esKJ4zN

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 7, 2025

Jason Zucker Extension Signed by Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have made the Zucker extension happen at the trade deadline. Zucker, 33-years old, has scored 18 goals in 54 games for the Sabres this year. Zucker joined the Sabres over the summer after being traded at last year’s trade deadline.

As the Sabres have found themselves near the bottom of the standings, it became clear the team would be sellers. Zucker’s name has generated much buzz in trade rumours. However, Buffalo has decided to keep the forward and the feeling is mutual.

Many Playoff Appearances for Forward

Zucker is no stranger to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, the forward has yet to make it out of the second round in his career. The closest Zucker has gotten was in 2014, when the Minnesota Wild fell two wins short of the Western Conference Final.

In 52-career playoff games, Zucker has scored nine goals and recorded nine assists. His best postseason came in 2015, when he recorded three points in ten playoff games.

What It Means

Zucker has slid into a role on the top-six in Buffalo. With the Sabres, he has primarily played on the second line.

While his 25-30 goal seasons may be in the past, Zucker can still be a force on offence. He can handle the puck well and can provide a net-front presence. He is someone who is not afraid to crash the net. In the playoffs, getting those “dirty goals,” can be the difference between advancing and going home for the summer.

Main Photo: Steve Roberts- Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres
Head to Head Matchup: Tampa Bay-0  Buffalo-0

Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. We analyze matchups, dissect advanced stats, and pretend to have the foresight of a fortune teller. Tonight, we turn our attention to the Tampa Bay Lightning taking on the Buffalo Sabres—a matchup featuring one team fighting for playoff positioning and another fighting to stay relevant. Will the Lightning strike down Buffalo with a barrage of goals, or will the Sabres gallop their way to victory? Let’s break it all down.

NHL Predictions: Lightning Keys to Victory

Tampa Bay’s offence is like a coffee-drinking toddler: fast, relentless, and nearly impossible to contain. Led by Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, the Lightning can light the lamp like a bug zapping against a repellant device. If Tampa gets on the board early and often, Buffalo’s faithful fans might try to beat the traffic home.

The Lightning also hold a major edge in goaltending with Andrei Vasilevskiy between the pipes. If he’s dialed in, the Sabres will need more than a lucky bounce to get past him. If he plays like his usual brick wall self, there’ll be no Buffalo stampede to worry about. Finally, Tampa Bay needs to take advantage of special teams. Their power play is lethal, and if Buffalo gets undisciplined, the Lightning can make them pay. If they win the special teams battle, this one could be over before the Zamboni makes its second pass.

Buffalo Sabres Keys to Victory

Buffalo’s biggest weapon? Speed. The Sabres thrive in transition, and if they can catch Tampa’s defence flat-footed, they’ll have a chance to generate high-quality scoring opportunities. Tage Thompson and  Alex Tuch must lead the charge because if Buffalo tries to play a structured defensive game against Tampa’s offensive firepower, they’ll be in for a long night.

Goaltending remains Buffalo’s biggest question mark. Whether it’s Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or James Reimer in net, the Sabres need their goalie to stand on his head. Tampa’s shooters won’t let up, and if Buffalo doesn’t get elite-level goaltending, the game could spiral out of control. Lastly, Buffalo has to keep its discipline. The Lightning’s power play is as dangerous as a hungry alligator in a Florida swamp. If the Sabres keep handing them power plays, they might as well stay on the team bus.

NHL Predictions. Who Has the Edge?

Buffalo has the speed and offensive potential to make this interesting, but Tampa Bay has the experience, superior goaltending, and more reliable scoring depth. If the Sabres can dictate the pace and stay out of the box, they have a shot at an upset. But let’s be real—the only upset will be Buffalo’s feelings after the final seconds tick off.

NHL Predictions: Tampa Bay Lightning 5 – Buffalo Sabres 3

Expect a high-scoring game with plenty of chances at both ends, but Tampa Bay’s firepower should be the difference.

Top Prop Bets: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Buffalo Sabres

1. Rasmus Dahlin Over 0.5 Power Play Points (+250 odds)                                                                                    Dahlin quarterbacks the Sabres’ power play and has the ability to generate offense from the blue line. If Buffalo gets a few chances, he could be a key contributor.
2. Tage Thompson Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-125 odds)
   Buffalo’s top sniper will need to be aggressive if the Sabres hope to keep pace. Expect him to fire plenty of pucks on net.
3. Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 Goals (+110 odds)
   Hagel has quietly been a great playmaker for Tampa. If the Lightning offense is rolling, expect him to pick up a goal.

Final Thoughts

Tampa Bay’s combination of offensive firepower and goaltending should give them the edge in this one. However, Buffalo isn’t just going to roll over—they have the speed and young talent to keep things interesting.

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Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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The Buffalo Sabres have made news today. It was announced that the team has completed the Jordan Greenway extension. He’ll be staying with the Sabres after inking a two-year deal worth $8 million. This deal runs until the end of the 2026-27 season and has an average cap hit on $4 million per season.

Update: hearing Sabres and Jordan Greenway are finalizing a two-year extension worth around $4M a season https://t.co/QpquF8w5sU

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 5, 2025

Sabres Sign Jordan Greenway Extension

Greenway has played for the Minnesota Wild and Sabres over his eight-year NHL career. The Canton, New York native has three goals and five assists for eight points in 26 games this season. His Corsi for is 45.0 and his relative Corsi is -8.1.

The veteran forward has 55 goals and 104 assists for 159 points in 427 career games. Minnesota originally drafted Greenway in the second round, 50th overall of the 2015 NHL Draft.

The 28-year-old has represented his native United States at the international level. He played for the gold-medal winning squad at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championships. Greenway also played for Team USA in the 2018 Winter Olympics. This made him the first African-American player to be a member of the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team.

What It Means

Greenway brings size with his massive frame of 6-feet, 6-inches and 230-plus pounds to any lineup. He served as a bottom-six forward on both the Wild and the Sabres and looks to do keep doing the same for Buffalo.

The Upstate New Yorker would have been a cheap rental at a $3 million price tag. Greenway was expected to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, but the Sabres have inked the depth-forward to a new deal.

One of the few problems Greenway has had over his career is consistency. His scoring has been very up-and-down, but always brings it when it comes to physical play. He can be relied on to use his frame and throw his weight around.

There was hope the Sabres were able to re-sign him despite likely interest from other teams. He can now concentrate on playing hockey and helping the Sabres rebuild.

Main photo by: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, the team here at Last Word on Hockey will dive deep into analysis for any given game to give you the scoop on what elements can change the outcome. Today, we’re taking a look at the contest between the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes. Be sure to keep an eye on our other NHL Predictions as the season presses on.

NHL Predictions

Buffalo Sabres at Carolina Hurricanes

Head-to-Head: Sabres 1-0 Hurricanes

Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: FDSNSO, MSG-B, ESPN+

In their second of three games with each other this season, the Sabres will take on the…Hartford Whalers? Fear not, it isn’t 1989, all of the Walkman remain in the attics where we left them, and the Berlin Wall is still down. Nonetheless, we will see this classic Adams Division Rivalry…sort of. The Carolina Hurricanes are throwing it back for Thursday to the era of the Brass Bonanza and Pucky the Whale (who will always be one of the cutest mascots to ever exist in sports, and don’t fight me, because you know it’s true).

Last month, the Hurricanes and Sabres met up for the first time this season. In a 4-2 victory, Buffalo got the leg up on Carolina in the season series. Now, the struggling Hurricanes are looking to mount a comeback against them to even the score and end February on a high note.

The Carolina Story

Struggle and battle have been the words of the week, or rather, month for the Hurricanes. It has been tough for the team, between illness, injuries, and the 4 Nations break, February has been chaos. To add to it, the looming presence of the NHL Trade Deadline remains forefront on the minds of many. Over the 4 Nations break, sources reported that Carolina offered Mikko Rantanen a sizable contract. As of now, an answer to that remains unknown as the 28-year-old forward weighs whether he wishes to remain in Raleigh or move on. Should no answer come forward, it is assumed that Carolina may choose to flip him at the deadline.

"I'm told the offer is north of 13 Million, in and around between the 13-14 million dollar number."@KevinWeekes dropped some extra details on Mikko Rantanen's contract talks during the first intermission of the Chicago Blackhawks-Toronto Maple Leafs game. #RaiseUp #NHL pic.twitter.com/CAjOf7ZpH4

— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) February 24, 2025

But tonight, we’re not worrying over that, we’re watching the Hartford Whalers play their annual game. After the green and blue was returned to play, the Whalers have been on an eight-game point streak in their eight total games played, both home and away. While the Hurricanes’ struggles may sour the Whalers’ 5-0-3 record, it is bound to be exciting with the nostalgic sounds and sights.

The Buffalo Story

The Buffalo Sabres have had their fair share of difficulties this season. Still rebuilding, they sit at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, despite their position, it isn’t all rain clouds with this very young and promising team. A current bright side is a lack of absences from injuries, with the only player out being minors goaltender Felix Sandstrom, who has returned to Sweden on a personal basis. Even the Sabres’ Analyst, Rob Ray (yes, the same Rob Ray for which we have the fight strap rule), returned in the next game after taking a puck clean in the face. Tough crowd.

https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1894542380453257283

Additionally, they have been a buzzsaw lately. Even prior to their come-from-behind victory in the third period against the Anaheim Ducks, they’ve been kicking butt and taking names. Their record over the last 10 games is 7-3-0. For comparison, the conference-leading Washington Capitals are at 5-2-3 in their last 10. At the time of writing this, the Sabres’ last 10 record is better than any other team league-wide striving for a Wild Card spot, with the exception of the Detroit Red Wings, who currently sit top of the list. It’s doubtful the Sabres will make the playoffs this season, but if their recent play isn’t encouraging for their fans for the future, then I don’t know what is.

Prediction

This game is especially hard to predict due to how the teams have been playing opposite of expectation. The Hurricanes’ play style has been unrecognizable since towards the end of January. “You look at our identity of our team. It’s definitely changed in the last couple weeks. We kinda changed the way we play a little bit. No knock on the guys we brought in, their great players,” Head Coach Rod Brind’Amour said on their recent play. “But we have to remember how we play the game. And I think we kinda changed a little bit; clearly not working.”

February has been a nightmare month for the Carolina Hurricanes. However, it has been one of the best for the Buffalo Sabres, in recent memory. They have only dropped two losses so far this month, dominating their opponents since returning from the 4 Nations break. Whether downing the New York Rangers 8-2 (with five goals in the first period), or unleashing three goals in the third for a 3-2 victory against the Ducks, they seemed to get a lot out of their two-week break.

Of course, opponent strength is something to note for both of these teams in recent games. The beauty of hockey is its unpredictability, but the spotty showers in play recently certainly cloud things for sports forecasters.

Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2

Your Nightly Bets

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. For the Carolina Hurricanes, Andrei Svechnikov would be a decent option for a wager. Before the Canes’ previous game, he was on a three-game point streak. Furthermore, he has remained consistent in points generation. Additionally, for a wager that would have the possibility to bring in a bit more, Jack Roslovic is a good under-the-radar option. He currently sits one goal removed from the 100 marker in his career, and will likely be on the prowl for that milestone.

As for the Buffalo Sabres, in general points, Rasmus Dahlin would be the top pick. He is a steady goalscorer who also frequently picks up assists. Another pick for general points that may rake in a bit more would be Dylan Cozens, who plays notably well against Carolina.

Main Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

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Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey reviews the scheduled games and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will win in head-to-head matchups. Today, we preview the Anaheim Ducks vs Buffalo Sabres. Check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.

NHL Predictions

Anaheim Ducks vs Buffalo Sabres

Head to Head: Ducks 0 – 1 Sabres

Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

TV: Victory+; MSG-B; KCOP-13; ESPN+

The Ducks (25-24-7) will conclude their three-game road trip when they take on the Sabres (23-27-4) at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY on February 25. This will be the second and final meeting between the interconference opponents. The Sabres won 3 – 2 in OT back in Anaheim on November 11. Disappointingly, Anaheim lost a two-goal lead, including giving up the tying goal with just 33 seconds left. Then, Jiri Kulich scored the game-winner with just one minute left in OT. The Sabres (51 pts) are last in the East but only nine points back of a wild-card spot in a much tighter conference. Anaheim (57 pts), incredibly, sits just six points back of the final wild-card spot in the west.

Anaheim Ducks Look to Close Road-Trip Strong

Anaheim’s previous game was entertaining, to say the least. After giving up three goals on three straight power plays in the first, the Ducks clawed back to tie the game 4-4 late in the third. This was the second time in two games the Detroit Red Wings lost a two-goal lead late in the game. Cutter Gauthier‘s tying goal was one of the most beautiful backhand shots. 

TIE GAME ?

Cutter Gauthier‘s SICK backhand has forced overtime for the @AnaheimDucks! pic.twitter.com/N5TfSIzeTI

— NHL (@NHL) February 24, 2025

It was only good enough for a point though, as Detroit won in OT. The Ducks are now 22-0-3 when scoring 3+ goals this season and are 7-2-1 in their previous 10 games. The OT loss snapped a four-game win streak. Even worse, Trevor Zegras received a three-game suspension for his hit on Michael Rasmussen. 

Here’s a reverse angle of the Zegras hit on Rasmussen, an angle which wasn’t shown on the Ducks broadcast (there were a few production issues for Victory+ tonight.)@SportingTrib | #FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/4YnXnhE1n4

— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) February 24, 2025

Unfortunately, this means Zegras won’t have the chance to repeat his most famous assist in the same building. 

We’ve seen the lacrosse goal BUT have we ever seen a lacrosse assist LIKE THIS!? ??

Trevor. Zegras. Wow. pic.twitter.com/5WYgoktQWW

— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) December 8, 2021

Leo Carlsson leads the Ducks with five assists and six points in their previous five games. He will need to continue his recent surge, especially with his linemate Zegras is out for a couple of games. With John Gibson day-to-day, expect Lukas Dostal to start in Buffalo. Dostal has a 2.92 goals against average and a .910 save percentage this season. 

Buffalo Sabres Trying to Build on Recent Momentum

While Buffalo is in an unfortunately familiar position in the standings, they have been playing winning hockey lately. The Sabres are 6-4-0 in their last ten games and, more impressively, have won four of their previous five. Impressively, two wins were against their rival Rangers and Devils, including exploding out of the break with five goals in the first period against the Rangers. Rasmus Dahlin is the most impressive Sabre recently with eight assists and 11 points in their previous five games.

Four Nations snub Tage Thompson is driving the offence again this season; he leads the team with 26 goals and 51 points.  Unfortunately, the diagnosis in Buffalo is a concern with depth. Their top players are having net-positive impacts on the game. However, the bottom half of the lineup, including young stars like Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn are hurting more than helping. Also, unlike Anaheim, the Sabres haven’t received Vezina-level goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and former Duck James Reimer. Lukkonen played the Rangers, and with Reimer potentially knowing some of the Ducks’ shooters’ tendencies, expect the latter to start. Reimer has a 2.95 goals against average and .898 save percentage this season.

Prediction

The Ducks look to bounce back from their OT loss in Detroit, and they will come out flying against the Buffalo Sabres. Lead strong offensive games from Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson as well as a solid performance between the pipes from  Lukas Dostal, we predict the Ducks will defeat the Sabres in regulation, extending their strong run and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Prediction: Ducks win 5 – 3

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out our NHL Predictions for the Anaheim Ducks vs Buffalo Sabres with some of our preferred prop bets of the night.  Take a look at McTavish anytime goal (+290). Odds courtesy of FanDuel. Record this season (7-18).

Note: Always check the latest team news and player statuses before placing any bets, as injuries and other factors can influence game outcomes.

Main Photo: Ryan Sun-Imagn Images

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It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the Four Nations Faceoff break, but that hasn’t stopped the rumour mill. General managers are still deciding what their move will be. Some teams will make a push to load up for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, other teams might have think about the future and move assets. One team that could be a seller is the Buffalo Sabres. This round of NHL rumours deals with one of their veteran forwards receiving interest.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Veteran Buffalo Sabres Forward Garnering Trade Deadline Interest

Rumour: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said that Sabres forward Alex Tuch is receiving looks before the March 7 trade deadline. This is despite Buffalo telling other teams they weren’t moving him earlier in the season.

Analysis: It’s likely going to be another year without playoff hockey in Western New York. This means the annual speculation out what players could be shipped out of the Queen City.

Buffalo does have some players that are on the wish lists of contending teams. The Sabres have a number of players with moveable contracts or pending unrestricted free agents. This means we could see some contracts moved for assets when the deadline rolls around.

We’ve talked about a number of Sabres players that could be moved in previous editions of NHL rumours. Names like Jordan Greenway, Dylan Cozens and Jason Zucker have been the subject of speculation. However, Tuch seemed to be safe and not someone Buffalo General Manager Kevyn Adams wants to move.

Tuch is from Baldwinsville, NY in the Syracuse area and is a lifelong Sabres fan. According to Pagnotta, Buffalo has indicated that moving Tuch is one of the last things they want to do. However, Adams might have to listen if there’s a great offer.

What It Means

Tuch has 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 54 games this season. He’s been one of the few bright spots on a Sabres team that has been scuffling most of the season.

The veteran forward is a big body at 6-feet, 4-inches tall and nearly 220 pounds. He’s also been part of the leadership group on one of the younger teams in the league. Tuch has been one of the more consistent performers on a roster that’s been inconsistent.

Contending teams would love a player like Tuch at the deadline and could likely slot into the top nine of most rosters. Adams will probably still get calls on the former Boston College up to the deadline.

Pagnotta adds that this could be just a bunch of noise. However, this won’t stop teams from trying to land the 28-year-old forward.

Teams will be calling Adams a bunch in the run up to March 7. Pagnotta added that the Sabres want to do something big. However, it doesn’t seem like they want Tuch to be part of the that big move. Other teams may have to look at other Sabres players at the deadline.

Main photo by: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

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