After ending the NHL’s longest playoff drought in style, the Buffalo Sabres enter the 2026-27 season with something they haven’t had in a decade and a half: expectations.
Last season’s 50-23-9 record — first in the Atlantic Division — was the franchise’s third 50-win campaign ever and its first division title since 2012-13. The playoff run ended in the second round, but the drought is over and the message is clear: this team is here to stay.
The question hanging over training camp is whether Buffalo can do it again without two key pieces. Alternate captain Alex Tuch (33 goals, 66 points) left for Washington in a sign-and-trade, and defenseman Bowen Byram was dealt to Chicago. That’s 108 combined points walking out the door.
GM Jarmo Kekalainen bet on internal growth instead of a big splash. Zach Benson — fresh off a seven-year, $52.5 million extension — anchors that bet, along with Josh Doan, coming off a career-high 25 goals, and a wave of young centers: Konsta Helenius, Noah Ostlund, and Jiri Kulich.
On the blue line, Olen Zellweger (acquired from Anaheim) takes over Byram’s offensive role, while 6-foot-8 Louis Crevier brings size and shot-blocking. Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power remain the backbone.
In net, the three-headed tandem of Alex Lyon, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Colten Ellis returns after posting the league’s third-best team save percentage (.900). Luukkonen’s 22 wins and .910 mark suggest there’s another level to reach.
Head coach Lindy Ruff, in his third season, has the group fully bought into a 200-foot game.
The prediction: The Sabres repeat as a 100-point team, finish top two in the Atlantic, and this time get past the second round. The kids are a year older, the system is proven, and the drought monkey is off their back. Buffalo hockey is back — and it’s not leaving.