Sabers Bolster Defense with Key Acquisitions
The Buffalo Sabres have reinforced their defensive line ahead of the NHL trade deadline. The team has finalized the acquisition of defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn, coming from the Winnipeg Jets.
Both Stanley and Schenn have the possibility of becoming unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. In return, the Sabres sent prospect Isak Rosen, defenseman Jacob Bryson, a second-round pick in 2027, and the better pick between the Sabres’ fourth-round pick or the Edmonton Oilers’ in the 2026 draft.
The Jets will retain 50% of Schenn’s contract as part of the deal.
Logan Stanley, with a cap hit of $1.25 million, has played his six seasons in the NHL with Winnipeg. This season, the 27-year-old player has achieved a personal best with 21 points in 59 games, averaging 17:12 minutes on the ice, also his best mark.
Luke Schenn, with a cap hit of $1.375 million, is an 18-year veteran known for his solid defense. This season, he has recorded one goal and six assists in 46 games. For the Sabres, this will be his fifth team since 2021. Schenn, 36, was part of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Stanley Cup champions in 2020 and 2021.
Stanley, a left-handed defenseman, and Schenn, right-handed, offer the Sabres what they needed to balance their defensive line. General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen previously tried to sign Colton Parayko, defenseman for the St. Louis Blues, but the player activated his no-trade clause, thwarting the deal and forcing Buffalo to look for other options.
A key part of the return for the Jets is Rosen, selected 14th overall in the 2021 draft by the Sabres. The 22-year-old right winger has played the majority of his four professional seasons with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, accumulating 43 points in 37 games this season. He has also recorded seven points in 16 games with the Sabres. Rosen is a restricted free agent this summer. Bryson, 28, is an unrestricted free agent with a cap hit of $900,000 and recorded five points in 35 games this season.
Before Friday’s trade deadline, the Sabres made another move, acquiring center Sam Carrick from the New York Rangers in exchange for Buffalo’s third-round pick in 2026 and Chicago’s sixth-round pick in 2026.
