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NHL Trade Deadline Grades: Buffalo Sabres

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Sabres’ GM Kevyn Adams discusses trade deadline with media | Getty Images

For the second straight season, the Buffalo Sabres have been a disappointment. This team was supposed to take the next step, but instead, they found themselves in the same familiar position—on the outside looking in. So, general manager Kevyn Adams decided it was time to shake things up. And shake things up he did.

Instead of hoarding picks and prospects, Adams made it clear that the Sabres were hunting for a hockey trade. No rebuild, no selling for futures—Buffalo wanted impact players now. Enter Josh Norris, a legitimate top-six center who has already hit the 20-goal mark twice in his young career.

Josh Norris, who was traded to the Sabres, can be a prolific scorer when he’s healthy. (Chris Tanouye / Freestyle Photography / Getty Images)

What the Sabres Gave Up:

  • Dylan Cozens, Dennis Gilbert, 2026 second-round pick (to Ottawa for Norris and Jacob Bernard-Docker)
  • Nicolas Aube-Kubel (to the Rangers for Erik Brannstrom)

https://twitter.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1898508863822827897

What the Sabres Acquired:

  • Josh Norris – A proven goal scorer who brings a strong two-way game, faceoff skills, and special teams ability. When healthy, he’s a top-tier center.
  • Jacob Bernard-Docker – A 23-year-old depth defenseman with some upside but not a guaranteed NHL regular.
  • Erik Brannstrom – A former first-round pick with offensive potential who will report to the AHL’s Rochester Americans.

The Verdict:

The Sabres desperately needed a change, and this deadline was a clear indication that Adams is done waiting around for his current core to figure it out. Trading Cozens stings—he was once considered a franchise pillar—but the reality is, he wasn’t living up to expectations. Norris, when healthy, is simply a better player right now. That’s a win.

However, health is the key word here. Norris has struggled with shoulder issues, missing significant time in the past two seasons. If he stays on the ice, this deal looks great. If not, the Sabres just bet big on a player with durability concerns.

The Brannstrom deal? More of a lottery ticket than anything else. He was once a highly touted prospect but hasn’t found his footing in the NHL. Maybe a fresh start helps, maybe it doesn’t. Either way, it’s a low-risk move.

Buffalo didn’t get drastically better overnight, but this was a step in the right direction. Adams is tweaking the mix, and this summer will be huge in determining if this team finally takes the leap.

Final Grade: B – A solid deadline with a bold move, but some risk involved.