
Forton bets big on Sabres' top picks to fix franchise
New regime pins rebuild hopes on franchise forwards while roster gaps remain glaring
hockey · NHL
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. Competing in the National Hockey League (NHL) since 1970, the Sabres have a rich history that includes multiple division titles and a deep playoff run in the 2025-2026 season. The team plays its home games at KeyBank Center and is known for its passionate fan base. Notable players like Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs have been instrumental in driving the team's recent success, contributing to a culture of resilience and determination. The Sabres' leadership, under head coach Don Granato, has been pivotal in fostering a winning environment and pushing the team towards playoff contention.
The Buffalo Sabres are currently in the thick of the 2025-2026 NHL season, showcasing a strong playoff push. Recent form has been impressive, with key victories against division rivals. The team's leadership group, including captain Kyle Okposo, has been driving the culture and momentum. The Sabres' playoff hopes are bolstered by a renewed rivalry with the Montréal Canadiens, adding an extra layer of excitement to their matches. As of the latest standings, the Sabres are positioned well within the playoff picture, with a series of crucial games ahead that will determine their postseason fate.

New regime pins rebuild hopes on franchise forwards while roster gaps remain glaring

Buffalo Sabres announced their 2026 NHL Draft class, selecting defenseman Daxon Rudolph at No. 4 and forward Ilia Morozov at No. 20, plus three forwards.

Buffalo adds massive size to the blue line with a surprise physical pick from the WHL.

Russian freshman Ilia Morozov brings NHL-ready two-way play to Buffalo after 20 points in 36 games at Miami (Ohio), validating the Sabres’ scouting department.

Sabres GM pins franchise hopes on No. 4 pick Daxon Rudolph and a defense-first blueprint after a pivotal NHL Draft.

Buffalo adds the top-ranked blueliner in the 2026 draft, a two-way powerhouse with elite offensive upside and a gold medal pedigree.

Buffalo ties up 21-year winger through 2032-33 with $7.5M AAV after 43-point season and postseason breakout.

Buffalo moves on from pending UFA Tuch, lands short-term Kampf plus a future asset as free agency reshapes the roster.

Washington adds a 30-goal winger for the long haul; Buffalo swaps Tuch for Kampf and a 2027 pick as both sides reset after Buffalo’s first playoff berth in 15 years.

Buffalo moves its top-line winger out of town, cashing in a third-rounder while Washington locks Tuch in long-term at $10.5M AAV.

Buffalo trades 25-year defenseman Bowen Byram to Chicago for a top-2026 pick, a prospect, and Jordan Greenway in a franchise-shaping swap.

Buffalo lands a top-four slot while San Jose doubles up in the top nine after a pre-draft trade blitz reorders the first round.

Sabres GM Jarmo Kekalainen trades Bo Byram and Jordan Greenway to the Blackhawks, extracting value before Byram’s free agency and bolstering Chicago’s youth‑centric rebuild.
Buffalo trades a proven power forward to Washington, reshaping both rosters ahead of the new season.

Buffalo secures its young star with a $52.5M pact, betting big on Benson as a franchise cornerstone

Buffalo adds a 6-foot-8 blue-liner with a cannon shot and two first-rounders, including the No. 4 overall, in exchange for Byram and Greenway.

Dobes' heroics in Game 7 against the Sabres spotlight his potential for more playing time.

Lindy Ruff opens up on the psychological strain facing the Buffalo Sabres in their do-or-die Stanley Cup Playoff matchup against the Montreal Canadiens.
Buffalo rides two-goal first period, 31 saves to move within one win of first-round breakthrough.

NHL hands down six-game ban to Boston's top defenseman, reshaping blue line and sparking debate on slashing crackdown.

Buffalo benches Alex Lyon after nine goals in two games, starting Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen to stabilize the crease.

Svechnikov and Zegras sizzle while Thompson and Dahlin freeze—playoff hopes hang in the balance.

Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy, and Michael Traikos dissect the Sabres' urgent needs, from goaltending choices to defensive fixes.

The Montreal Canadiens' strong defence and goaltending have given them a clear edge in their playoff series against the Buffalo Sabres.