Buffalo Sabres
A preview of the 2026-27 NHL season for the Buffalo Sabres, including predictions from VSiN NHL Expert Jonathan Davis. For all other NHL team previews, check out our NHL page.
Key Additions: Olen Zellweger, Louis Crevier
Key Departures: Alex Tuch, Bowen Byram, Jordan Greenway, Michael Kesselring, Devon Levi, Luke Schenn, Logan Stanley
Overview
The 2025-26 Buffalo Sabres season was a breakthrough year, ending the longest playoff drought in NHL history (14 seasons) and marking their first Atlantic Division title since 2009-10. Buffalo’s 30-point improvement was second only to the San Jose Sharks’ 34-point increase from last season. The narrative around the Sabres has changed significantly over the past 12 months. They have earned respect around the league, so much so that Connor Hellebuyck was reportedly willing to waive his no-trade clause to come to Buffalo.
Buffalo finished first in the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres’ off-season saw them lose Alex Tuch and his 33 goals and 66 points to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal. Buffalo also moved defenseman Bowen Byram to Chicago in exchange for the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft and acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger from Anaheim to fill Byram’s spot.
Offense
Gone are the 33 goals from Alex Tuch, who went to the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal. The Sabres have not done anything to replace the 33 goals. Instead, they are relying on current roster players to take the next step in their progression. That group includes Zach Benson, Josh Doan, Noah Ostlund, Konsta Helenius and Jack Quinn, all of whom are expected to improve, and if they can all continue their upward trajectory, the Sabres should be in good shape. The return of a healthy Jiri Kulich can’t be ignored either.
Defense
The Sabers’ 240 goals surrendered this past season were 47 goals fewer than the 287 goals they gave up in 2024-25. Rasmus Dahlin is coming off a Norris Trophy-worthy season, and his 74 points (overall) and 52 even-strength points both ranked second on the team. From @chrismeaney, Dahlin was the only defenseman and one of two players in the League with at least 70 points, 70 blocks (79) and 60 hits (67) last season. Mattias Samuelsson and Owen Power took big steps in the postseason and will be counted on more this season with the trade of Bowen Byram to Chicago. The additions of Olen Zellweger (from Anaheim) and Louis Crevier (acquired in the Byram deal) round out the blueline that should allow the Sabres to remain in the upper half of the league when it comes to fewest goals surrendered.
Goaltending
For the moment, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will enter the season as the Sabres’ number one goalie. The Sabres were reportedly in trade talks with the Winnipeg Jets in a deal that would have seen Connor Hellebuyck and Luukkonen trading area codes. The deal fell through as Luukkonen had Winnipeg on his five-team, “no trade” list. Alex Lyon who earned the nickname “The Lion King,” set a franchise record last season by a Sabres goalie winning 10 straight decisions (regular season) and started the Sabers’ final seven playoff games. Goalie Colton Ellis (8-4-2) played well in spot duty. He needs to play 12 games of at least 30 minutes, or he becomes a free agent at season’s end.
Player to Watch
Sabres fans got a taste of Konsta Helenius last season when they saw him score two goals in four playoff games. The 20-year-old was a point-per-game player for Buffalo’s AHL team, posting 21 goals and 63 points in 63 games. With the loss of Alex Tuch, Helenius could work his way into a top-six role and see time on the power play.
Outlook
After putting an end to 14 consecutive seasons without making the playoffs, the Sabres will look to make it back-to-back trips to the postseason. Sportsbooks expect Buffalo to drop this season from their 109-point total in 2025-26. The Sabres point projection is set at 96.5 for the 2026-27 season. The departure of Alex Tuch and his 30 goals in a sign-and-trade to Washington and the trade of Bowen Byram to Chicago are significant losses. I am one who doesn’t see them finishing with 13 fewer points than last season. I am on Buffalo Over 96.5 (+100).
Team Futures
Regular Season Points: 96.5 (Over +100, Under -130)
To Make the Playoffs: (-125)
To Miss the Playoffs: (-105)
To Win the Division: (+900)
To Win the Eastern Conference: (+1700)
To Win the Stanley Cup: (+3000)
2025-26 Recap
Record: 50-23-9 (109 points,1st Atlantic Division)
Over/Under: 38-41-3
Home Favorite: 17-10 Home Dog: 8-4
Road Favorite: 8-4 Road Dog: 13-12
Win Score 4 or more: 36 of 50 Lose Give Up 4 or more: 22 of 32
Puck Line Wins: 35 of 50 Puck Line Losses: 20 of 32
Front End Back-to-Back: 8-5 Back End Back-to-Back: 9-4
Points Leaders: Tage Thompson – 81
Goal Leader: Tage Thompson – 40
Teams First Goal Leader: Jason Zucker – 11
Assist Leader: Rasmus Dahlin – 55
Shots on Goal Leader: Tage Thompson – 272
Blocked Shots Leader: Mattias Samuelsson – 154
Depth Chart
Forwards
Zach Benson / Jiri Kulich / Tage Thompson
Noah Ostlund / Josh Norris / Josh Doan
Jason Zucker / Konsta Helenius / Jack Quinn
Peyton Krebs / Ryan McLeod / Beck Malenstyn
Defense
Mattias Samuelsson / Rasmus Dahlin
Owen Power / Louis Crevier
Olen Zellweger / Conor Timmins
Goalies
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen / Alex Lyon
