After moving on from Alex Tuch, the Buffalo Sabres would be wise to bring in another top-six winger to replace him. When looking at the current trade candidates around the NHL, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko stands out as a prime potential target for the Sabres to consider pursuing. 

ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported on Friday that he heard from Marchenko's camp that the star winger is unlikely to re-sign with the Blue Jackets after his current contract ends. With this, Marchenko is creating a lot of chatter as a trade candidate.

With the Sabres needing another star forward in their top six, it would make a lot of sense for them to make a run at Marchenko. If they acquired him, he could slot perfectly on their first line with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson. He would also give them another star to work with on their power play. 

Marchenko just had a strong season with the Blue Jackets in 2025-26, posting 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games. This was after the 6-foot-3 forward recorded 31 goals and 74 points in 79 games with Columbus during the 2024-25 campaign. With numbers like these, he would be an excellent replacement for Tuch on the Sabres' roster.

It will be interesting to see if the Sabres make a serious run at Marchenko, but the fit looks very good on paper.