The Buffalo Sabres have more grit with making a playoff push, and these four guys are key to accelerating the journey.
Dec 9, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Buffalo Sabres right wingwer Alex Tuch(89) with defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) center Ryan McLeod (71) and defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) celebrate their win on the Edmonton Oilers during the overtime period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images Buffalo Sabres And Their New Guys
The Buffalo Sabres made three trades before the deadline concluded. They acquired center Sam Carrick in the first trade, defensemen Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley in the second. Lastly, the Sabres acquired left winger Tanner Pearson in the third.
Carrick came from the New York Rangers, whereas Schenn, Stanley and Pearson came from the Winnipeg Jets.
The players’ value was quite clear when it came to what the Sabres were willing to give in each exchange. The Sabres picked up Carrick in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.
In exchange for Schenn and Stanley, the Sabres traded right winger Isak Rosén, defenseman Jacob Bryson, and a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick.
Rosén was the top leading scorer for the Rochester Americans, the Sabres’ farm team. It will be interesting to see what he brings to the Jets.
In the last trade, the Sabres picked up Pearson in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick.
From left to right, New York Rangers’ Matt Rempe, Sam Carrick, Jonny Brodzinski, K’Andre Miller and Adam Fox celebrate after Brodzinski scored during the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the New York Islanders, Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) Their Past Stats
Carrick, during his 2025-26 season with the Rangers, had a total of 16 points. He had nine goals and seven assists with a plus-minus of plus two. The center has been known for being a reliable third-line center.
The Sabres have a great top line. However, in the playoffs, there needs to be even strength across the board. That’s where Carrick contributes.
Regarding Schenn, he had two points with the Jets, both were assists. He had a plus-minus of -11.
Stanley racked up a total of 23 points with the Jets. He had nine goals and 14 assists. He had a plus-minus of minus one. In addition, he tallied 99 penalty minutes.
Both Stanley and Schenn have been known for their physicality. The Sabres have handled themselves well in that area.
However, it wasn’t until recently, with center Peyton Krebs and defenseman Michael Kesselring, that the Sabres were able to push their opponents around.
Stanley is 6’7 and is an inch taller than center Tage Thompson. On top of that, he brings that defensive screening, creating scoring opportunities.
Pearson had a total of 13 points with the Jets. He had seven goals and six assists with a plus-minus of plus seven. The left winger not only adds to the Sabres with stats but experience as well.
Dec 27, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; The Buffalo Sabres celebrate a win over the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images Integrating Into The Lineup
Carrick was added to the Sabres’ lineup on March 7 in their home game against the Nashville Predators.
Since joining the lineup, Carrick has been playing on the fourth line with wingers Zach Benson, Beck Malenstyn and occasionally Krebs. Carrick has acclimated to the team, having scored five goals and had one assist.
Schenn, Stanley and Pearson had a slow start getting onto the ice due to delays in visa processing.
However, Stanley was first out of the three to make an appearance. He played his first game on March 10 against the San Jose Sharks. He was quick to adapt, dropping his gloves in the first period.
Stanley has one assist and leads the four acquired players in penalty minutes.
Schenn, Stanley and Pearson integrated well. Pearson has played in the lineup with right winger Alex Tuch and Thompson. He has one assist.
Schenn has played with Pearson, Carrick and Stanley, along with defensemen Rasmus Dahlin. Additionally, Stanley has been paired up with defensemen Zach Metsa before Metsa was recalled to the Amerks.
Jan 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres goaltender Colten Ellis (92) is greeted by center Peyton Krebs (19) after defeating the New York Rangers 5-2 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images The Rebuilding Era Is Over
This season, the Sabres have been making a playoff push to put an end to the 14-season-long drought. Notably, two out of the four players the Sabres acquired have won the Stanley Cup, Pearson and Schenn.
Pearson won the Cup during his rookie season with the LA Kings in the 2013-14 season. Schenn won two consecutive cups in 2020 and 2021 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
However, that doesn’t discount Carrick and Stanley, who have also had playoff experience. Carrick played in ten Stanley Cup playoff games with the Edmonton Oilers in 2024. Stanley also played in 17 postseason games, mainly with the Jets.
Regarding the Sabres, the team has accumulated draft picks over the past 13 to 14 years in efforts to rebuild. With a talented team packed in Rochester, the Sabres spared some draft picks to acquire gritty players with playoff experience.
The Sabres had a ten-game winning streak back in December. The team has even continued their winning streak on and off since returning from the Olympic break. This accumulation of wins led to the Sabres claiming the first seed in the Atlantic Division.
End Of My Buffalo Sabres Rant
The Sabres were doing pretty well before acquiring the new guys. However, Carrick, Stanley, Schenn and Pearson have enhanced the Sabres’ performance. With their and other Sabres veterans’ playoff experiences, if it wasn’t clear already, the Sabres can make it into the playoffs this year.