The Buffalo Sabres are actively preparing for the 2025-2026 NHL season, with a recent intrasquad scrimmage and the commencement of their preseason schedule. Coach Lindy Ruff is emphasizing a team identity characterized by being "hard to play against and play well defensively".

Intrasquad Scrimmage

The Sabres held an intrasquad scrimmage at KeyBank Center, deviating from initial team groupings by evenly dividing NHL and American Hockey League (AHL) players into Team White and Team Blue. Team White secured a 4-0 victory. Alexandar Georgiev and Alex Lyon shared time in net. A line consisting of Zach Quinn, Jiri Kulich, and Josh Doan, stood out for Team White. Noah Ostlund, Konsta Helenius, and Isak Rosen also showed well after a shaky showing in the Prospects Challenge. Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram, who were a strong defensive pairing last season, were on opposite teams during the scrimmage.

Preseason Preview

Buffalo's six-game preseason schedule began Monday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Sabres feel they've made significant progress in targeted areas through off-season additions and organization-wide messaging. Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan, along with Radim Mrtka, are among the new players expected to make their Sabres debut.

The Sabres' roster for the game against Columbus included forwards Jack Quinn, Jiri Kulich, and Josh Doan, among others, and defensemen Bowen Byram and Radim Mrtka. Alexandar Georgiev started in goal, with Devon Levi backing him up. Coach Ruff plans to give two periods to one goalie and the third period to another.

Roster and Lineup Notes

The Sabres have added Kesselring to their defense, and acquired Doan, a tenacious forechecker, and signed Danforth, a reliable bottom-six forward. Mrtka, the ninth overall pick in the 2025 draft, is considered an intriguing prospect.

Rasmus Dahlin praised the team's new additions, noting their skill and toughness. Alex Tuch echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the new players meshing well with the team's style.

Projected lines for the Sabres include various combinations, with Jiri Kulich, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch potentially forming a top line. Bowen Byram and Rasmus Dahlin are projected as a top defensive pair.

Storylines

Several storylines are emerging from the Sabres' training camp. Josh Norris is drawing positive attention, and the team is evaluating different forward combinations in Alex Tuch's absence.

The team is aiming to improve its defensive game. The Sabres were 24th on the power play (18.8%), and 23rd in 5v5 expected goals per 60 minutes (2.41) last season. With Peterka gone, the Sabres will need internal improvement from younger players. Zach Benson and Jiri Kulich may see more ice time alongside Thompson.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's performance in goal will be crucial. After a strong season two years ago, his performance dipped last season, and the Sabres need him to rebound.

The Sabres are looking to end the NHL's longest playoff drought. Most of their young core is locked in for the long term. The acquisition of Kesselring is expected to bolster the defense. Doan will be in the mix for a top-six role.