As the Buffalo Sabres start the fresh NHL campaign, there is a fair amount of interest in a team that went to great lengths to advance during last season. Following the 2025-26 regular season, Buffalo finished the season with a total of 109 points and a season-wrapping Atlantic Division championship before advancing to the Eastern Conference Second Round where it was defeated by Montreal in Game 7 overtime.
The emphasis has been diverted from its construction of this base, to its use of it now. Training camp expectations are fresh due to the spirit put forth by general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen and head coach Lindy Ruff that last year’s accomplishments cannot be a valid excuse to be complacent. The Sabres are seeking consistency from the beginning and continuity in their successful run to help them get another successful campaign.
Other changes have occurred in Buffalo as well. For the new players, they’re included Olen Zellweger (defenseman), Louis Crevier and the newcomers having Oren Zehbrauskas, Matt Murphy and Alex Christensen replaced them will take the pressure off their shoulders, as the latter are all capable of assuming such roles at the right time.With the absence of Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch, the opportunities for others to step in are certainly there, including Olen Zellweger (defenseman), Louis Crevier and other newcomers to assume the pressures they’ve been under. Continuing key parts of the core will be the youngsters Zach Benson, Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius who are expected to grow and contribute significantly for the rest of the season and beyond.
Some good tests have been done so far in the preseason. Buffalo downed Columbus, 5-1 on Sept. 23, but lost to Detroit in overtime, 3-2 on Sept. 25. That’s giving the coaching staff down at the Y not only the chance to test combinations, but prospects and depth as well, before the regular season opens.
The Power Play is one area that is getting focused on. Last season, Buffalo had ranked 21st place in terms of power-play efficiency and its penalty kill was fourth in the NHL. So winning balance with special teams might be a crucial element of team preparation.
The Sabres have a bunch of story threads ready to go through the season, featuring some familiar characters, newbies and some other faces. Everyone will be keenly observing to find out how fast the tweaked set-up gels, and how well the tight unit translates to future games.
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