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Winnipeg Jets defenseman Logan Stanley celebrates his goal against the Nashville Predators (James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images)

Sabres Trade Target: Logan Stanley

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Zach Berta | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 1:50 PM ET

The NHL roster freeze for the Olympic break will be lifted on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 11:59 pm ET, with the NHL Trade Deadline just 12 days away (Friday, Mar. 6). When the NHL resumes action, teams will have to finalize moves that either make their team better this season or sell off a few pieces for future success.

With a 32-19-6 (70 points) record and sitting in the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres are hoping to make the playoffs for the first time since 2011 (the longest playoff drought in the NHL). General Manager (GM) Jarmo Kekalainen has stated that if he makes any moves, they will be to improve his team, and one way for him to do that is to target Winnipeg Jets defenseman Logan Stanley.

Logan Stanley’s Impressive Game

Stanley has size, at 6-foot-7 and 231 pounds. For most of his career, he’s been a third-pairing blueliner who uses his body to his advantage and does not put up a ton of offensive numbers. However, this season, he has nine goals and nine assists through 55 games, the first time in his career that he’s scored more than one goal, and his 18 points are a career high.

The Sabres’ blue line is already massive with an average height of 6-foot-3, but they need to address their third-pairing, and Stanley would fit perfectly. The team’s top four defensemen are all offensive blueliners, including Rasmus Dahlin, Bowen Byram, Mattias Samuelsson, and Owen Power, but their third pairing does not provide much offense and has been inconsistent all season.

Between Michael Kesslering, who was the team’s big offseason addition last summer, Jacob Bryson, and Zach Metsa, who are all rotating, they have not found much success. Stanley could help provide some steady offense and a bit more physicality. Kesselring, who has had his share of struggles when healthy this season, could also see a rise in production with Stanley beside him.

The team could also consider rotating Kesselring, Metsa, and Stanley regularly. Kesselring is the preferred player to have in the lineup, but he’s been a healthy scratch a couple of times.

What Could a Trade Look Like for Logan Stanley?

Stanley is in the final year of a two-year deal with a $1.25 million cap hit before he becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) this offseason. That could drive the price down, as the Jets are reportedly willing to trade him rather than sign him to an extension.

Here’s what a trade could look like:

Buffalo Sabres Acquire:

Logan Stanley

Winnipeg Jets Acquire:

Tyson Kozak
2027 Third-Round Draft Pick

The Sabres are not trying to make a blockbuster trade that gets everyone’s attention, but this would make their team better right now. Stanley would add the grit and physicality that the blue line is missing, while the team doesn’t give up a ton of assets, which is a big win for the Sabres.

On the other hand, the Jets will be moving out a piece for future assets in a season where they have struggled. Even though they wouldn’t get the scoring depth they need in this trade, they will get a draft pick, plus a 23-year-old center in Kozak, who has shown he can play a role in the NHL.

The Sabres have a couple of areas of need to consider for a playoff run, and they’ll have to retain their core talent. Kekalainen will be actively trying to make his team better, so we’ll soon see what moves they make and where they stand after the Trade Deadline passes.