2025-26
Record: 50-23-9, 109 points, 1st in Atlantic Division
Playoffs: Lost to Montreal in Second Round
Key Losses
D – Michael Kesselring (Trade w/ SJ), F – Alex Tuch (Trade w/ WAS), D – Bowen Byram (Trade w/ CHI), F – Jordan Greenway Trade w/ CHI), D – Logan Stanley (Free Agency), G – Devon Levi (Trade w/ EDM)
Key Additions
D – Olen Zellweger (Trade w/ ANA), F – Conor Sheary (Signed via FA), D – Louis Crevier (Trade w/ CHI)
2026-27 Preview
Making it Back to the Playoffs
After making their long-awaited return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2011—the same season they last won their division, then the Northeast Division—the Sabres took another major step forward by advancing to the second round. Their postseason run ultimately ended in a hard-fought Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, but it marked a significant breakthrough for a franchise that had spent years searching for sustained success.
Now comes the next challenge: proving that last season was the beginning of something bigger rather than a one-year breakthrough. With the Atlantic Division becoming increasingly competitive, Buffalo will need to show it can consistently contend against some of the NHL’s best teams. Returning to the playoffs would reinforce that the Sabres have turned the corner, while establishing themselves as legitimate contenders within the division would be the next step in the franchise’s evolution.
Transitioning with the Changes
Following a successful 2025-26 campaign, the Sabres made several notable roster changes aimed at reshaping their lineup for the future.
On the blue line, Buffalo traded Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal that brought back defenseman Louis Crevier. The Sabres also acquired 22-year-old defenseman Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks, adding another young, mobile blueliner with offensive upside. Together, those moves made Buffalo’s defense corps younger while increasing its potential to generate offense from the back end.
The changes up front were more significant. Jordan Greenway was included in the trade to Chicago alongside Byram, while power forward Alex Tuch departed in a sign-and-trade with the Washington Capitals. Buffalo’s lone veteran addition at forward was the return of Conor Sheary, who reunites with the organization after previously spending time with the club.
Internally, the Sabres will be counting on one of their top prospects to help offset those departures. Twenty-year-old Konsta Helenius is expected to compete for a full-time NHL role after producing at a point-per-game pace in the AHL, and Buffalo will be hoping he can carry that offensive success into his rookie season.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Zach Benson — Josh Norris — Tage Thompson
Josh Doan — Ryan McLeod — Jack Quinn
Noah Ostlund — Konsta Helenius — Jason Zucker
Peyton Krebs — Sam Carrick — Beck Malenstyn
Defense
Mattias Samuelsson — Rasmus Dahlin
Owen Power — Louis Crevier
Olen Zellweger — Connor Timmins
Goalies
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Alex Lyon