Buffalo Sabres are nudging toward adding a proven top-six forward, eyeing Eeli Tolvanen as a plausible midseason target if Seattle isn’t in the playoff chase. Tolvanen posted a career-high 23 goals and has one year left on his deal, making him a high-upside rental with potential cost tied to a 20-goal pace and conditional picks or blue-chip prospects such as Isak Rosen, Devon Levi, or Noah Ostlund. If Seattle dangles Tolvanen, Buffalo could pursue a package that includes a first-rounder or a strong prospect, balancing immediate impact with future assets.

The chatter also covers a broader trade-market and draft-pick dynamics around 2026 selections, with Penguins’ Kyle Dubas discussing teams attempting to re-acquire their 2026 picks and the possibility of offer sheets viewed as leverage by teams like Winnipeg and San Jose. The report lists offer-sheet candidates (Sebrango, Kupari, Holtz, Zary, Evangelista, McTavish, Rossi) and notes some teams’ interest in specific names (Zary, Evangelista, McTavish, Rossi). It also notes extension talks for Dustin Wolf, UFA Matt Grzelcyk, and various waiver/rookie-target angles shaping both teams’ in-season contorts. The piece closes with a reminder to subscribe and follow for ongoing rumor-driven discussions across the league.

The Buffalo Sabres have secured Conor Timmins by signing him to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million, thereby avoiding arbitration. Timmins, a 26-year-old defenseman, was acquired in a trade that involved sending Connor Clifton to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This marks Timmins' fifth team in six NHL seasons, with a career total of six goals and 46 points across 159 games. Last season, he achieved a personal best with three goals and 15 points in 68 games split between Pittsburgh and Toronto. With Timmins aboard, the only restricted free agent left for the Sabres is goalie Devon Levi.

The Buffalo Sabres have successfully avoided a salary arbitration hearing with Conor Timmins by signing the defenseman to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million. Acquired in a trade that sent Connor Clifton to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this marks Timmins' fifth team in six NHL seasons since he was drafted in the second round by Colorado in 2017. Last season, he achieved a career-high of three goals and 15 points over 68 games split between Pittsburgh and Toronto. The Sabres still have one remaining unsigned restricted free agent, goalie Devon Levi.

In a crucial showdown on Friday, the Rochester Amerks showcased their resilience by overpowering Laval with a decisive 5-1 victory, forcing a deciding Game 5 in the AHL North Division finals. Goalie Devon Levi played a pivotal role with 22 saves, rebounding from a challenging previous game.

Josh Dunne emerged as the offensive star, contributing two goals and two assists, highlighting his ability to impact the game beyond traditional metrics. His performance under pressure showcased the depth of the Amerks as they rallied together for a potential series-clinching victory.

In the upcoming NHL offseason, the potential for offer sheets appears to be on the rise, especially with the salary cap projected to increase. Analysts suggest that players like Gabriel Vilardi and Marco Rossi are prime candidates for such moves. Specifically, Devon Levi may attract interest, as some teams could see him as an undervalued asset given his limited use in Buffalo. The past success of the St. Louis Blues with offer sheets may influence other teams to explore similar strategies.

Discussions also mention that teams, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, are likely to match any offers made on their young talents, like Matthew Knies, thus making the landscape of offer sheets even more complex. The overarching sentiment is that while the traditional 'old boys club' mentality may have deterred teams in the past, a shift in the league dynamics could pave the way for more aggressive roster strategies this summer.