The Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings entered the current NHL season with a shared goal: to end their lengthy playoff droughts. The Sabres, having not made the playoffs in 14 years, and the Red Wings, who last appeared in the postseason nine seasons ago, are now both in strong positions to potentially break these streaks. The Sabres have surged recently, recording an impressive 13-2 run over their last 15 games, while the Red Wings sit with 60 points, just one point behind the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Recognizing the urgency to strengthen their playoff chances, the Sabres made a significant decision by replacing general manager Kevyn Adams with Jarmo Kekalainen. Meanwhile, Red Wings’ general manager Steve Yzerman had a chance to enhance his roster by pursuing defenseman Quinn Hughes, but elite players come with high expectations. Yzerman’s requirement for Hughes to commit to an extension before any potential trade created a stumbling block in negotiations.
In discussions reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman on the “32 Thoughts” podcast, it became clear that Hughes had a strong interest in joining the Red Wings, but Yzerman’s stipulation proved too steep given that Hughes is under contract through the 2026-27 season. This demand seemed unreasonable, especially since any formal extension discussions would be premature at this stage.
As it stands, the Red Wings maintain an eight-point lead over the Sabres while also holding four games in hand. This positioning in the standings makes it likely that both teams could be competing for Wild Card spots in the upcoming weeks. The two teams have faced each other twice this season, with the Sabres claiming victory in both matches. Their final game is scheduled for March 27, which could prove crucial for playoff seeding.
For the Red Wings, the absence of Quinn Hughes could be a missed opportunity that they may reflect on as they vie for a playoff position. Conversely, the Sabres may feel fortunate to have avoided a confrontation with the talented defenseman. As both teams press on through the remainder of the season, the hope remains that one, or perhaps both, will finally make their long-awaited playoff return.