The Buffalo Sabres are entering the 2025-2026 NHL season facing immense pressure to end their league-record 14-season playoff drought. This prolonged absence has amplified the urgency surrounding the franchise, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning whether the team can finally "get over the hump". However, for the Sabres to achieve this elusive goal, too many factors need to fall perfectly into place.
One of the biggest question marks revolves around the performance of young players Jiri Kulich and Zach Benson. The Sabres are counting on these players, aged 21 and 20 respectively, to become legitimate top-six offensive contributors. While Kulich showed promise as a rookie in the 2024-25 season, with 15 goals, asking him to become a reliable second-line center might be too much, too soon. Similarly, while Benson displayed play-driving ability alongside Tage Thompson on the top line, his numbers (10 goals, 28 points) don't guarantee top-six production. For the Sabres to make the playoffs, both players need to elevate their game and consistently score in the 20-30 goal range, while also contributing 65+ points each.
Goaltending is another area of concern for the Sabres. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who signed a five-year, $23.75 million contract extension, needs to regain the form he displayed in the 2023-24 season. After a sparkling 2023-24 season, Luukkonen's play regressed significantly in 2024-25, with his goals-against average rising to 3.20 and his save percentage dropping to .887. The Sabres need Luukkonen to prove that he can be a legitimate No. 1 NHL goalie and provide consistent, reliable performances.
The Sabres' defense, despite boasting talented players like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, needs to improve its overall performance. While Dahlin is coming off a strong season with 17 goals and 68 points, Power's plus/minus rating of -13 was a career-worst. The acquisition of Michael Kesselring, who adds a physical presence and offensive punch, should help stabilize the defense and free up Power to reach his full potential.
The departure of J.J. Peterka, who was traded to the Utah Mammoth, also presents a challenge for the Sabres. Peterka finished tied for second in team points last season with 68. The Sabres will need players like Thompson, Tuch, Jack Quinn, and Josh Norris to step up and fill the void left by Peterka's departure.
Beyond player performance, the Sabres also need to address their consistency and ability to close out games. In the 2024-25 season, the Sabres were among the league leaders in first-period goals, but struggled to maintain their lead, losing 15 games when leading after 20 minutes. They need to develop a killer instinct and find a way to translate strong starts into victories.
The Sabres' playoff chances currently stand at +275, while the odds of them missing the postseason are -375. Some projections suggest the Sabres might finally end their playoff drought in 2026, but those projections hinge on several key factors.
Ultimately, the Sabres' success in the 2025-26 season will depend on their ability to overcome these challenges and find consistency in all aspects of their game. The team has a talented core, but it needs to come together quickly and deliver on its potential. The pressure is on for the Sabres to end their playoff drought, but whether they can meet these demands remains to be seen.
