Noah Östlund Forces the Sabres’ Hand: “You Don’t Demote a Kid Who Helps You Win — You Make Room for Him”

“People talk about roster crunches, but Östlund isn’t playing like someone you remove. He’s playing like someone you build around. If a kid comes in and stabilizes your lineup, drives plays, and wins you games, you don’t demote him — you make room for him. Simple as that.”

BUFFALO — What began as an emergency recall has transformed into one of the most compelling storylines of Buffalo’s season. Noah Östlund, the Swedish center with the silkiest hands on the roster, has not simply survived his unexpected NHL minutes — he has

Originally dubbed “The Masseuse” by teammate Alex Tuch for the way he “massages the puck,” Östlund has quickly proven the nickname isn’t just a joke — it’s a scouting report.

Since his return to the Sabres on Nov. 4, he has played 14 straight games. Injuries forced Buffalo’s hand at first, but Östlund’s performance has kept it clenched.

A 19-Year-Old Who Doesn’t Look Like a 19-Year-Old

Östlund has scored three goals and earned six points while averaging 13 minutes of ice time — but the numbers only hint at his impact. His poise, decision-making, and high-end hockey IQ have stood out in a way most rookies can’t replicate.

Lindy Ruff, coaching in his 30th NHL season, didn’t hesitate to acknowledge what he’s seen:

“He’s helping us win games,” Ruff said. “Not every young player can say that.”

Ruff’s actions reflect that belief. Östlund was recently placed on a line with Alex Tuch and Josh Doan — a major vote of confidence and a sign the staff sees top-six potential sooner rather than later.

Shootout Hero, Play Driver, Line Stabilizer

With the game on the line in Minnesota, Ruff chose Östlund for a crucial shootout attempt. The rookie delivered: a smooth backhand-to-forehand move beating Filip Gustavsson and sealing a 3-2 victory.

His defensive reads, meanwhile, have impressed Ruff as much as his offensive creativity. Östlund doesn’t overpower opponents, but he out-thinks them, staying between his man and the net and anticipating plays like a seasoned veteran.

The Roster Crunch No One Expected

Buffalo is carrying three goalies and only six defensemen — a situation requiring a roster adjustment. Östlund is the easiest player to send down because he doesn’t require waivers.

But “easy” isn’t the same as “right.”

The insider quote reflects the organization’s internal debate: Östlund isn’t just filling space — he’s earning it.

You don’t demote a player who drives possession, calms the puck, stabilizes a line, and wins games.

A Future Centerpiece in Real Time

Östlund’s rise isn’t a tease — it’s a turning point. If his confidence continues to grow and his minutes follow, the Sabres may look back on this stretch as the moment a core piece of their future arrived early.

The “Masseuse” isn’t just massaging the puck.
He’s massaging his way into Buffalo’s long-term plans.

Ex-Saints Captain Blake Grupe Lands New Gig with Colts After Tough Season in New Orleans

In a surprising turn of events, Blake Grupe, the former captain of the New Orleans Saints, has found a new home with the Indianapolis Colts after a difficult season in New Orleans. Grupe, who served as the Saints' kicker throughout the

2023 season, was released after struggling in the first 11 games of the year. His replacement, Charlie Smyth, has since made key plays, including a 56-yard field goal

and a successful onside kick in a win over the Miami Dolphins.

Grupe's tenure with the Saints began with promise but quickly soured as he struggled to make his kicks. By the time he played his final game with New Orleans, Grupe had made just

18 of 26 field goals—a performance that included a 1-for-3 effort against the Atlanta Falcons. This marked the end of his stint with the Saints, as New Orleans looked for more consistent kicking play.

Despite his struggles, Grupe wasn’t left without a job for long. Just days after his release, he caught the eye of Indianapolis Colts officials, who moved quickly to sign him to their practice squad.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Grupe impressed during his workout and, soon after, the Colts made the decision to add him to their roster.

"Blake Grupe has shown great dedication and commitment to this team. While we’ve had to make this tough decision, we believe it’s the best move for the future. We’re grateful for his contributions, and we wish him all the best as he continues his career with the Colts,"

said Kellen Moore, Offensive Coordinator of the New Orleans Saints.

Now part of the Colts’ practice squad, Grupe will be working to earn his spot on the active roster. He is expected to be available for games starting this week, giving him a fresh opportunity to showcase his talent. With the

Colts not facing the Saints for the rest of the season, Grupe will not get the chance to face his former team this year.

Grupe’s story in New Orleans was one of

unexpected beginnings and eventual challenges. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Grupe outperformed former Pro Bowl kicker Wil Lutz during training camp to earn the job as the Saints’ starting kicker. However, as the season wore on, the pressure mounted, and the team's decision to part ways with Grupe came after several missed opportunities.

While Lutz has since found a new home with the Denver Broncos, making 80 of 90 field goals (88.9%) and 102 of 104 extra points (98.1%), Grupe’s performance, while not on par, was still respectable with

75 of 94 field goals (79.8%) and 86 of 88 extra points (97.7%).

Despite the setbacks, Grupe is now embarking on a new chapter with the Indianapolis Colts, and the

Saints' loss is very much the Colts' gain. It’s a story of resilience and proving that, even when things don’t go as planned, there’s always another opportunity around the corner in the NFL. Grupe is looking to continue his journey and make the most of his fresh start, and with his history of perseverance, there’s no doubt he’s ready for the challenge.

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