Report: Players Across The League Have Buffalo On Their No-Trade Lists

The Buffalo Sabres face a steep challenge in building a competitive roster, as many NHL players have the team on their no-trade lists, as confirmed by General Manager Kevyn Adams.

Kevyn Adams has spoken openly about this reality, linking it to Buffalo's reputation and the hurdles it creates in attracting top-tier talent. 

“We’re not a destination city right now,” Adams admitted. “We don’t have palm trees. We have taxes in New York. Those are real, and those are things you deal with.” 

The Sabres’ 13-season playoff drought, the longest in the NHL, has further cemented their status as a less desirable landing spot for free agents and trade targets.

We don’t have palm trees and are in a 13 year playoff drought so I’m not including players in this trade target list who have trade protection

The Sabres basically need to target young ish players who have fallen out of favor in their organization that can maybe pop pic.twitter.com/R8DaOq6ID4

— Joe Marino 🌴 (@JoeMarinoBUF) December 10, 2024

Adams emphasized that the only way to change this perception is through sustained success on the ice. He believes consistent playoff appearances and a legitimate shot at the Stanley Cup will gradually make Buffalo more attractive to players. 

“You become a perennial playoff team, you have a chance to win the Stanley Cup year after year, and you are on fewer teams’ no-trade lists,” he said. 

The Sabres’ attempts to make big moves have faced obstacles, including a failed trade for Martin Necas, who reportedly declined to commit to a long-term extension with the team. 

Despite these frustrations, Adams has avoided reactionary decisions, choosing instead to focus on developing young stars like Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Tage Thompson, and Dylan Cozens.

Laugh about the lack of palm trees all you want, but the way the @BuffaloSabres handled/treated Jack Eichel is a big reason they’re on everyone no-trade list. #sabrehood

— Nicholas Cherchio (@nCherch) December 10, 2024

While fans grow impatient with what feels like an endless cycle of rebuilding, Adams remains committed to a measured approach. He refuses to overpay for short-term fixes, insisting that the foundation for long-term success is being built. 

“We’re not going to panic,” Adams stated. “Winning changes everything.” However, the challenge of breaking through Buffalo’s no-trade stigma remains a critical obstacle, one that only consistent success and playoff contention can overcome.

Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images