How Good Can the Buffalo Sabres Be in 2025-26?
The Buffalo Sabres come into the 2025–26 season with a roster that feels like it’s finally starting to take shape after years of stops and starts. There's real talent here. They're young, raw in places, but undeniably exciting. Down the middle, the group is led by Tage Thompson, whose mix of size, hands, and goal-scoring instinct makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league when he’s on his game. He’s the type of player who can take over shifts, and there aren't many like him. Behind him, Josh Norris gives the team another solid option at center, assuming he can stay healthy, while Ryan McLeod offers speed and defensive responsibility. Peyton Krebs is still finding his place, but he’s got the kind of energy and upside that teams love in their bottom six. It’s not a perfect center group, but it has character and, more importantly, the kind of promise Buffalo hasn’t had in years.
The wingers are where the team’s future starts to get even more interesting. Alex Tuch continues to be the emotional pulse of this team. He plays with power, purpose, and pride in the logo on his chest. Jack Quinn is looking to bounce back and prove that he’s ready to be a consistent top-six contributor. He’s got the skill for it, no doubt. Then there’s Zach Benson, who plays like a 10-year vet despite his young age. He reads the game so well and rarely looks out of place, which says a lot about where his ceiling might be. Jason Zucker and Jordan Greenway bring that heavier, veteran presence, and they’ll be asked to set the tone physically while chipping in offensively. Josh Doan and Justin Danforth are still fighting to carve out full-time NHL roles, but that hunger might be exactly what Buffalo needs in their bottom six.
On defense, there’s a real case to be made that Buffalo has one of the most promising groups in the league. Rasmus Dahlin has blossomed into everything he was expected to be. He's a game-changing defenseman who can skate, create, and lead. Owen Power isn’t far behind, and his calm, fluid style makes the game look effortless. Adding Bowen Byram into the mix gives them another dynamic puck-mover who can log big minutes when healthy. Mattias Samuelsson is the quiet backbone of this group, doing the dirty work and providing structure. Behind them, guys like Jacob Bryson, Conor Timmins, Zachary Jones, and Michael Kesselring round out the depth, and while none of them are stars, they all bring something different to the table and could also develop further if given the opportunity.
In net, the Sabres are banking on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen finally stepping into the spotlight. He’s shown flashes in games where he looks like the answer, the guy who can win you something when it really matters. Consistency, though, has been the missing piece. Alex Lyon will be there to steady the ship when needed, but this is Luukkonen’s year to prove he's a starter in this league. Lyon last played for the Detroit Red Wings, but Detroit’s addition via trade of John Gibson meant Lyon had to serve as a backup elsewhere. So, where does that leave this Sabres squad? On the edge, once again. They’re not quite there yet, not a lock by any means, but they’re close. If their young players keep growing, if the goaltending holds up, and if they can finally shake off the inconsistency that’s haunted them, this could be the year they turn the corner. It’s not just about potential anymore. The Sabres are ready to make some noise. It is just a matter of whether they can put it all together when it counts.
