Buffalo Sabres Host Calls for New Strategy Amid Struggles

Buffalo, NY – WGR 550 radio host Jeremy White is raising eyebrows with his call for a new strategy for the Buffalo Sabres as they battle through a tough start to the NHL season. After years of debates about the team’s past efforts to tank for top draft picks, White is now sounding the alarm about possibly pursuing a high prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft, namely Gavin McKenna.

White was a prominent voice during the Sabres’ pursuit of either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel in the 2015 draft, and he has recently hinted at a new ‘Operation Gavin McKenna’ campaign. He tweeted, “Whispers — A bad road trip from the hockey team and it might be time to talk about Totally Another Needed Kleaningofhouse,” a message reflecting his concern for the team’s current trajectory.

The Sabres currently hold a record of 5-5-4, earning 14 points in the highly competitive Eastern Conference. They’ve lost five of their last six games after showing promise early in the season. As they gear up for a difficult stretch against teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings, the pressure on the Sabres increases.

If the team continues to struggle, advocates for tanking may gain momentum again. With the possibility of drafting a player like McKenna, those discussions could ignite among fans and analysts. Historically, the Sabres have not fully recovered from their efforts to secure McDavid, resulting in a painful playoff drought that has lasted 14 years, the longest in NHL history.

Supporters of the tank strategy argue it was justified given Eichel’s success and his contributions to the Vegas Golden Knights, who recently won a Stanley Cup. Critics, however, maintain that the franchise’s loss of depth players to improve their draft odds created a culture of losing that remains visible today.

As the Sabres contemplate their future, the question arises: What do they have to lose? With a lack of immediate pathways to a Stanley Cup and a new potential superstar like McKenna on the horizon, a fresh direction could prove necessary. The young winger’s impressive 129 points in 56 games last season signals his potential impact.

Looking ahead, the Sabres recognize the challenges but also see the potential rewards of another rebuild, which, while daunting, could be the solution needed to revive the franchise.