What happened: Bleacher Report's Lyle Richardson predicts the Buffalo Sabres will pursue Detroit Red Wings winger Alex DeBrincat by the 2027 NHL trade deadline. The speculation follows Buffalo's sign-and-trade sending Alex Tuch to the Washington Capitals this offseason.

Why it matters: Tuch was a top-six fixture in Buffalo, and his departure leaves a scoring void the Sabres have yet to fill for 2026-27. Richardson's prediction hinges on Detroit falling out of playoff contention again, which would make DeBrincat available.

What to watch: Detroit's start to 2026-27 will determine whether DeBrincat's name resurfaces on the trade market before the deadline.