What happened: Buffalo dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to Montreal on Saturday and settled for one point against an Atlantic frontrunner. The push from the commentary is for Jarmo Kekalainen to chase a name-brand forward or goaltender, with Connor Hellebuyck, Dylan Larkin and Kirill Marchenko discussed as the type of swing.

Why it matters: Buffalo ended a 15-year playoff absence last season and now faces pressure to advance past the second round next spring. Ryan McLeod has produced as a support piece, leaving Buffalo without a game-tilting star to shift the Atlantic balance.

What to watch: Buffalo's flexibility in the coming weeks centers on pairing salary with a first-round pick for a top forward or goalie as players become available.