The Buffalo Sabres have been making waves in the NHL, and it looks like they're not ready to slow down just yet. As the 2026 NHL Draft unfolded, the Sabres were among the busiest teams, orchestrating a series of strategic moves that have fans buzzing with anticipation.
The Sabres kicked things off by trading Bowen Byram and the negotiating rights to Alex Tuch, a move that set the stage for acquiring Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger. While a blockbuster trade for a marquee player didn't pan out, the Sabres made the most of their draft opportunities, selecting five promising prospects over the weekend.
Here's a look at the fresh faces joining the Sabres:
- Round 1, Pick No. 4: Daxon Rudolph, RHD, Prince Albert (WHL)
- Round 1, Pick No. 20: Ilia Morozov, C, Miami University (NCAA)
- Round 4, Pick 124: Olivers Murnieks, C, Saint John (QMJHL)
- Round 5, Pick 156: Doman Szongath, C, KooKoo Jr.
(FINLAND-JR.)
- Round 6, Pick 188: Dylan Dumont, W, Drummondville (QMJHL)
While these newcomers may not make an immediate impact on the 2026-27 season, they bolster a prospect pool that has been steadily strengthening. With the Sabres coming off their most thrilling season in over a decade, there's a palpable shift from dreaming about the future to seizing the present.
Assistant General Manager Jerry Forton emphasized the team's readiness to trade picks if it meant immediate improvement. "We would have been fine if we traded all those picks away if we were making our NHL team better," Forton noted. The message is clear: the Sabres are in win-now mode, and they're not afraid to make bold moves to get there.
As the dust settles from the draft, the Sabres still have $13.8 million in cap space, according to Puckpedia, and several key decisions loom on the horizon:
Forward Depth and Potential Additions: Replacing Alex Tuch might not be a one-for-one scenario, but the Sabres have faith in their current roster depth.
With 13 forwards under contract, including promising talents like Jack Quinn and others, the team is evaluating whether to add another forward. Free-agent options like Mason Marchment and Anders Lee could bring grit and leadership, while Patrick Kane and Mats Zuccarello offer scoring prowess.
The free-agent market, however, can be unpredictable.
Contract Talks with Malenstyn and Krebs: Beck Malenstyn and Peyton Krebs were pivotal in shaping the Sabres' identity last season.
Malenstyn, a free agent with a penchant for big hits and speed, is keen to stay in Buffalo if a multi-year deal is on the table. Krebs, a restricted free agent, has been a versatile asset for the team.
Retaining both could cost around $6 million, a strategic consideration given the current cap space.
Zellweger’s Contract Situation: The addition of Olen Zellweger adds excitement, especially with the possibility of him pairing with Owen Power.
As a restricted free agent, Zellweger's contract negotiations are crucial. A bridge deal might make sense, allowing the Sabres to evaluate their defensive depth, which includes promising prospects like Daxon Rudolph and others.
Goaltending Decisions: The Sabres face a pivotal decision with young goalie Devon Levi, who will require waivers this season.
With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis in the mix, finding room for Levi could necessitate a trade. The Sabres' interest in Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck underscores their commitment to exploring all avenues for improvement.
As the Sabres navigate these decisions, one thing is clear: they're committed to building a team that can compete at the highest level. With a mix of strategic trades, smart drafting, and savvy contract negotiations, the Sabres are positioning themselves to capitalize on their competitive window. Keep an eye on Buffalo; this team is poised for exciting things.
In Other News...
Sabres Lock Up Beck Malenstyn And Shift Free Agency Plans
Beck Malenstyn is sticking around in Buffalo for the long haul after the Sabres agreed to a six-year contract worth an average of $3 million per season. The 2024 addition carved out a real role on the fourth line and penalty kill, giving the club the kind of reliable, low-maintenance depth that often gets overlooked until it is gone.
For a team still carrying just under $10.8 million in cap space, the deal also changes the shape of the rest of the summer. The Sabres now have two restricted free agents left without contracts, and with one key piece already secured, the next moves will say plenty about how aggressively they plan to use the room they have left. [Read more 🡒]
Sabres May Be Running Out Of Time With Top Goalie Prospect
Devon Levis path in Buffalo has reached an awkward stage, with the Sabres weighing whether the young goalie still fits their long-term picture as the organization keeps adding depth around him. He has shown flashes in both the NHL and AHL, but the mixed results have left his standing less secure than it once seemed, especially for a team that has to make every roster spot count.
Elliotte Friedman reported that Edmonton has interest, and the fit makes sense from the Oilers side because their contract situation in goal leaves them little room to stand pat. For Buffalo, the bigger question is whether Levi still has enough value as a trade chip before the decision becomes even more difficult, since a move back to Rochester would not be a simple option if the Sabres want to keep him in the organization. [Read more 🡒]
Former Sabres Defenseman Just Forced A Tough Trade Debate Again
Michael Kesselrings long-term future in San Jose is now set after the Sharks locked up the former Sabres defenseman on a three-year extension. The deal carries a $4.5 million annual cap hit and buys out one restricted free agent season plus two years of unrestricted free agency, a clear sign the Sharks see him as more than just a short-term add for a rebuilding blue line.
For Buffalo, the move keeps the trade conversation alive because Kesselring was never going to be judged in a vacuum. His run with the Sabres was uneven, with limited offense and a playoff stretch that left him on the outside far more often than not, and now his new contract raises the same old question about whether Buffalo moved too early or simply moved on from a player who fit better elsewhere. The fact that he is already part of a thin pool of experienced Sharks defensemen only adds another layer to a deal that still invites second-guessing. [Read more 🡒]