This is the latest edition in THN.com’s Hot Seat Radar series. In this file, we’re examining the Calgary Flames.

In each file of the Hot Seat Radar series, we’re identifying someone on the ‘hot seat’ who’s dealing with a notable amount of pressure to produce positive results or face consequences that could put their relationship with their team in jeopardy. As well, we’re also pointing out someone on the ‘cold seat’ who’s untouchable and will be around for the long run. (And financial data in this series comes via The Hockey News’ roster and salary cap site, THN Lineups.)

The Sabres once again let down their long-suffering fan base, missing out on the Stanley Cup playoffs for the thirteenth consecutive season. For that reason, there’s no shortage of people who are on the hot seat in Buffalo. Let’s get down to business:

Sabres’ Hot Seat: Terry Pegula, Owner

The Sabres have been a perpetual disappointment since Pegula took control of the team in 2011. In the span of the next 13 years, the Sabres have had four different GMs and seven different coaches – eight if you include the two stints of current bench boss Lindy Ruff. That’s an astonishing level of turnover, and though it would be one thing if Pegula could point to some degree of success and improvement, the reality is it’s been only a steady stream of misery for Buffalo fans.

Some would tell you Pegula’s purchase of the franchise kept the Sabres from relocating, and there is some truth to that. However, when you’re closing in on a decade-and-a-half of failure, and the only thing you have to show for it is a participant badge, there’s clearly something deeply wrong with the organization.

There’s no white knight owner alternative on the horizon right now, but in a league where small market, low-success teams like the Ottawa Senators are sold for nearly $1 billion, you have to believe there’s a potential owner replacement out there who could come in and breathe new life into the franchise. Pegula has this coming season to correct course, but if the Sabres have another year with no playoff hockey, there will be increased calls for Pegula to cut bait and move on. And it’ll be difficult to disagree with those calls.

Sabres’ Cold Seat: Rasmus Dahlin, D

Dahlin had a career-best 20 goals this past season and he finished tied for the team lead in points, with 59, but his career-high points total of 73 in 2022-23 took a step back. The 24-year-old Swedish blueliner is entering his first year of an eight-year, $88-million contract, but there’s no real pressure on him to put the team on his back. Dahlin is still not close to his peak, and Sabres fans would likely riot if Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams ever dared to trade him.

Dahlin has an excellent fellow defense corps member in Owen Power, and while the pressure on Power is not as great given Power’s $8.35-million annual cap hit, Dahlin is still a foundational component of the franchise in Buffalo and a massive minute-muncher on the back end. He’s been an elite performer regardless of who his coach has been, and now, under Ruff, Dahlin will be depended on more than ever to provide stability and determination.

Dahlin is one of the better D-men of his generation, and his commitment to staying a Sabre through the tough times is admirable. For that reason, his place in Buffalo is cemented, and nothing is going to change that.