Jhonas Enroth will get the start for the Buffalo Sabres against the Edmonton Oilers this evening.

Usually a backup goalie getting the nod against a team like Edmonton isn’t that big of a deal, but for Enroth and the Sabres, this contest is an important one. With the Olympic roster freeze approaching and the NHL trade deadline set to kick in relatively quickly after the league returns to action following the Winter Games, Buffalo is looking to Enroth to prove that he can be a No. 1 goalie in this league.

That’s because Ryan Miller is very much available for trade, and the general consensus is that the longtime Sabre will be sporting a new sweater by the time the trade deadline passes.

Unless Buffalo lands another netminder in a deal for Miller—perhaps Jake Allen from the St. Louis Blues?—Enroth would be the man in goal for the foreseeable future. He hasn’t won a game since October 25 though, and has racked up an unimpressive record of 1-10-5.

While it’s true that Buffalo just hasn’t been very good regardless of who’s been the masked man this season, the team would probably like to see Enroth run away with a game before dealing Miller. He’ll get that chance tonight against an Oilers team that has a bad record overall, but has been much improved over the last few weeks.

Jhonas Enroth will start in goal for the Sabres Monday against Edmonton. @MichaelKwi3315 — John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) February 1, 2014

Not much can be expected when the 30th team in the league faces off against the 29th, but this is an important game for Enroth and the Sabres.

For even more Buffalo Sabres coverage, check out FanSided’s Sabres-centric blog, Sabre Noise.