2026 Season Preview: Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres became an absolute wagon on the way to their first playoff birth since 2011. Now can they stay atop the Atlantic Division?
Welcome to 2026 Team Previews, a new series from Blueshirt Banter. In this series, we'll be taking a look at the 31 other teams in the NHL and evaluating their last season, their offseason, and what we can expect from them in the upcoming season, plus whatever tie-ins they have with the New York Rangers. To view previous pieces in this series, go here.
After involving themselves in some of the most notable trades that took place this offseason, the Buffalo Sabres are looking to follow up their remarkable year at the top of the Atlantic division by remaining a consistent playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
2025-26 Outcome
Regular Season Results: 50-23-9
Postseason Results: Defeated Boston 4-2, Lost to Montreal 4-3
Fifteen years without making the playoffs was put to rest, as the Buffalo Sabres finished first in a competitive Atlantic Division. It took an excruciatingly long rebuild, but the Sabres finally got there and seem to be in a great spot moving forward—at least when it comes to their young core. Guys like Zach Benson, Josh Doan, and Konsta Helenius, among several others, proved they’re ready to be full time NHLers, while franchise faces Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson stood out as the stars they're supposedt to be. Despite falling short in a Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal, Buffalo should be thrilled with their efforts last season.
With a solid returning cast that balances depth, experience, and youth, the Sabres might have their work cut out for them, but should remain a threat in their division. Just how big of a threat can we expect them to be? Let’s break it down.
Who's In and Who's Out
Not a ton of action on the Sabres end of the offseason, but they were involved in some noteworthy deals. They were among the first teams to trade up in the draft, packaging Michael Kesselring with their own first rounder to move seven spots up to 20th overall. That wouldn’t be the end to them putting themselves in a better draft position, as they went on to acquire Louis Crevier and the fourth overall pick from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway. To help replace Byram on the blueline, the Sabres also acquired Olen Zellweger from Anaheim, which may have cost them Anton Wahlberg, but was a worthwhile move.
They ultimately decided against signing Alex Tuch to an extension so they can focus their salary cap on getting Zach Benson signed to a long term extension. A wise choice made wiser by trading Tuch to Washington to get some draft capital back in return. Aside from that, the Sabres sent Devon Levi to Edmonton and signed Denis Gilbert and former Ranger Conor Sheary on the open market.
