The Buffalo Sabres’ roster is mostly in place, but a few spots are still up for grabs as training camp approaches. Lindy Ruff and his staff already have a strong read on much of the lineup, including Tage Thompson on the top line and Rasmus Dahlin with Mattias Samuelsson on the first defensive pair. The real intrigue now is in the battles that will shape the rest of the group.
One of the biggest questions sits at center. Thompson spent most of last season there, but with the Sabres’ depth down the middle, a move back to wing seems likely. That leaves the 1C job as a fight worth watching, and while Noah Ostlund or Konsta Helenius could enter the mix, the likely showdown is Josh Norris versus Jiri Kulich.
Kulich looked strong when he stepped into that role late in the 2024-25 season, giving Buffalo a lift on a top line with Thompson and Zach Benson. His season, though, was cut short after 12 games by a blood clot.
Norris, meanwhile, played 44 games and finished with 34 points, but availability remains the major concern. The Sabres know the upside is there; the question is whether his body can hold up in a role this important.
This is one of those decisions that may not come quickly.
On defense, the Sabres have another opening after moving Bowen Byram this offseason. That leaves Owen Power in search of a partner, and the team has two fresh options to consider in Olen Zellweger and Louis Crevier.
Power’s 2024-25 season was arguably his most complete yet, with 29 points, a +9 rating, and a career-best xG% of 50.57%. Whoever lines up next to him will be tasked with helping him keep trending in the right direction.
Crevier arrived from the Chicago Blackhawks as part of the return for Byram and put together the best season of his career with 25 points and 124 hits in 78 games. At 6'8", he brings size and strength that should show up in the defensive zone.
Zellweger offers a different look entirely. He is the more offense-minded option, plays a style similar to Byram, and brings far more skating ability, which could fit better with what Ruff wants from his defensemen.
The third battle is in goal, where the Sabres are expected to open the season with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon, and Colten Ellis. Luukkonen is the clear favorite to start, but the backup spot is where things could get interesting. Ellis could climb past Lyon on the depth chart and become the primary reserve.
Buffalo appears to view Ellis as part of the long-term plan, while Lyon is heading toward free agency after the season and will turn 34 this year. If Ellis proves in camp and preseason that he can handle the job, the Sabres might even look into moving Lyon. That would free up a roster spot for a skater and bring back something before Lyon reaches free agency.
Training camp is still a month away, and plenty can change before then. But these are the three battles that could end up shaping the Sabres’ season.
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