These two Sabres have been named among the top trade candidates in the NHL.
The Athletic's Chris Johnston released his first 2026 NHL off-season trade board. Two Buffalo Sabres were among the players listed, as Michael Kesselring and Devon Levi both made the cut.
Kesselring was given the No. 18 spot on Johnston's trade board, and it is not too difficult to understand. The right-shot defenseman had a tough regular-season with the Sabres and only played in one playoff game for Buffalo. With this, it would be understandable if they listened to offers for him during the off-season.
In 34 games this season with the Sabres, Kesselring had zero goals, two assists, and 50 penalty minutes. This is after he had seven goals and a career-high 29 points in 82 games with the Utah Mammoth during the 2024-25 season.
As for Levi, he was given the No. 19 spot on Johnston's trade board. When noting that Levi is the fourth goalie on the Sabres' depth chart and did not make a single appearance in the NHL this season, there is no question that he could use a fresh start. With Levi being a former top prospect, it is also likely that there would be multiple teams willing to take a chance on him.
In 52 games this season with the Rochester Americans, Levi had a 23-20-9 record, a .904 save percentage, and a 2.83 goals-against average.