What happened: Logan Stanley, a pending unrestricted free agent defenseman, is positioned to earn a raise this offseason. He could cash in whether he re-signs with the Buffalo Sabres or tests the open market elsewhere.

Why it matters: Stanley's status puts Buffalo's blue line in focus heading into the 2025-26 offseason, as the club weighs whether to retain a depth defenseman or let him walk for cap flexibility. His next deal will shape both his earnings and the Sabres' back-end planning.

What to watch: Watch whether the Sabres open extension talks before free agency or let Stanley reach the open market, where rival clubs could drive up his price.