Buffalo Sabres
Sabres Owner Terry Pegula to Meet Team Amid Big Trade Rumors
Elliotte Friedman reports that Sabres owner Terry Pegula is flying in to meet the team, and wild trade rumors get floated out there.
Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula is reportedly heading to Montreal to meet with his struggling team, according to Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. Pegula’s decision to meet the team during their road trip has fueled speculation about potential shakeups within the organization.
“That means, to me, one of two things,” Friedman explained. “Either he’s making changes or he’s saying this is the group, this is who we’re going with.” While Friedman acknowledged this is just his interpretation, he didn’t shy away from talking about how big a deal it is that the owner is traveling to specifically to address the team.

The Sabres have lost 10 games in a row (0-7-3) and have dropped their last three games in regulation. The most recent loss to Toronto has triggered the owner to fly in personally to see what’s going on. The team’s dismal performance has left head coach Lindy Ruff visibly frustrated. Speaking with Mike Harrington, Ruff admitted, “This is the toughest solve I’ve been around. It is on me to get these guys in the right place and win a hockey game.”
It’s not clear if Pegula is planning to address the coaching situation or talk to GM Kevyn Adams.
Friedman also floated the idea of a blockbuster trade involving Sabres forward Dylan Cozens and Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram for Vancouver Canucks superstar Elias Pettersson. While purely speculative, Friedman noted that Sabres’ management, led by Pegula and influenced by Jim Rutherford‘s Canucks, might explore bold options to shake up the roster. “I want to stress this is purely in my head,” Friedman said. He then asked, “Who says no?”
Both Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas believed the Canucks are the more likely of the two teams to say no. Adams wants to make a trade and teams have been calling about Cozens, but the Sabres don’t want to make a trade that makes the team worse.
Are Sabres Making a Big Change or a Blockbuster Trade?
The Sabres’ ongoing struggles have gotten insiders and analysts talking. Many question if Pegula’s meeting signals an impending coaching change, a big trade, or a vote of confidence for the current group. Regardless, this meeting could be a turning point for Buffalo’s season.
Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Rangers, Leafs, Canucks, Oilers, Jets, Bruins
