Mats Zuccarello Linked to Sabres, Trade or Deadline Target?

NHL Mats Zuccarello Linked to Sabres, Trade or Deadline Target?

By João Bitencourte

September 4, 2026 • 6:03 PM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Mats Zuccarello Linked to Sabres, Trade or Deadline Target?

The Buffalo Sabres have a real problem on their hands after trade season and the July 1 opening of NHL free agency. They lost Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram—adding up to 44 goals that just walked out the door. That is not a small gap to fill, especially for a team struggling to get over the playoff hump. So, with those departures, GM Jarmo Kekalainen is now on the hunt for reinforcements, especially on offense.

There is a spotlight on how the team will make up that lost production. The front office is clearly looking for a winger or maybe a veteran leader who can pull their weight in terms of points, leadership, or both. The young guns in the system—Konsta Helenius, Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund—will have enough pressure without being tasked to save the season themselves. If the Sabres bring in the right piece, it could take a lot of weight off those developing players’ shoulders.

According to Yahoo Sports, one name that stands out is Mats Zuccarello. He was not extended by the Minnesota Wild after seven seasons, despite putting up numbers long after many wingers his age would have faded. At 39, Zuccarello remains a serious playmaker. Playing most recently with Kirill Kaprizov, he averaged 63 points per year over the last five seasons, and last year, he notched 54 points in just 59 games. Add another 9 points in 8 playoff games and it is clear he can still make an impact.

The Sabres also have a coaching connection: Lindy Ruff, now the head coach in Buffalo, spent time as an assistant with Zuccarello during the winger’s Rangers years. This familiarity could matter in deciding to target Zuccarello should he become available at the trade deadline.

Here is the complication—you cannot just sign Zuccarello right now. He inked a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, loaded with performance bonuses and a full no-trade clause. For now, he is unavailable unless things go south in L.A. The Kings are expected to push for a wild card spot out West, but if things do not click, GM Ken Holland could look to move aging rentals like Zuccarello before the deadline. That opens the door for a team like Buffalo to pounce.

The Sabres lost 44 goals with the departures of Tuch and Byram
Mats Zuccarello signed with the Kings but will be a UFA in 2025
Buffalo’s GM is seeking a mature scorer or leader to reduce pressure on prospects
Zuccarello tallied 54 points in 59 games last season and has strong playoff output
Lindy Ruff’s history with Zuccarello provides an existing relationship
The Kings’ season trajectory could affect Zuccarello’s trade availability

Should Buffalo Target Zuccarello at the Deadline?

Right now, Zuccarello is locked down with the Kings and has a no-trade clause, but things can move quickly before the deadline. If Los Angeles is out of the playoff running, they might be willing to flip a vet for picks, freeing up Zuccarello for a contender’s run. The Sabres fit that buyer profile: a team on the brink, needing maturity, points, and a steady presence for their young core.

Why Zuccarello Stands Out

Some might scoff at a 39-year-old being the solution, but the production is there and his history with coaches in Buffalo keeps the risk lower. His consistency puts him ahead of other rental options, and his leadership would fill the void left not just on the stat sheet but also in the room. He has a proven playoff record, which matters for a Buffalo side desperate to end a long drought.

Key Developments for Bettors

The Sabres’ scoring void creates urgency—expect movement if their new offense does not click by midseason
Zuccarello’s trade value could spike if he produces in LA while the Kings fall out of contention
Any trade rumors involving Buffalo and Zuccarello will move futures odds, especially playoff qualification props

Key Takeaways

The Sabres’ search for scoring has a clock on it—the youth alone cannot carry the offense
Zuccarello, despite age, is still producing at a top-six NHL winger pace
His Kings deal gives him complete control, but circumstances can force a change by the deadline
If the Kings falter, expect his name in the rumor mill—Buffalo will be a mentioned suitor
Bettors should monitor Buffalo’s moves closely, as one right addition ups their playoff chances significantly
Lindy Ruff’s familiarity could give Buffalo an edge if Zuccarello waives his clause
Consider the impact of a rental—Zuccarello could be a swing piece for teams on the bubble

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Frequently Asked Questions

After losing Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram, the Sabres must replace a major chunk of their offensive output. They view Zuccarello as a proven scorer who could help make up that deficit, offering reliable production and needed leadership.

He signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings on July 1, featuring a $1 million base, up to $5.5 million in performance bonuses, and a full no-trade clause. He is unavailable for immediate trade but could become a target closer to the deadline.

Despite being 39, Zuccarello averaged 63 points per season over his last five years and put up 54 points in 59 games last season, along with a strong playoff showing. His consistency keeps him in the conversation for contenders needing veteran help.

If the Kings struggle in the standings and become sellers at the trade deadline, Zuccarello might be open to waiving his clause to join a playoff contender. It depends on L.A.’s performance and his personal goals.

The Sabres could explore more cost-controlled forwards or seek a midseason rental. However, they prioritise experience, production, and leadership—all boxes Zuccarello checks, making him a leading candidate if he becomes available.

Absolutely. If Buffalo adds a consistent scorer like Zuccarello, their odds to make the playoffs should improve, given his ability to generate points and help steady their young lineup.

At 39, age and potential decline are concerns, and his one-year deal means he’s a rental. However, his production hasn’t slowed, so the risk is measured against an immediate boost to Buffalo’s offense.