Buffalo Sabres 2026-27 Season Preview

The Buffalo Sabres are back, and expectations in Buffalo are dramatically different after last season’s breakthrough. On this episode of **Talking Buffalo**, Patrick Moran is joined by Steve Burrows for an in-depth preview of the 2026-27 Sabres season. Patrick and Steve discuss why the excitement surrounding the Sabres feels different this year, what they learned from last season’s playoff run, and whether Buffalo did enough during an offseason that featured plenty of rumors but few major additions. They also break down several of the biggest questions that could determine whether Buffalo takes another step forward this season. ### Key Takeaways - **Expectations have changed in Buffalo.** After finally experiencing playoff success, simply being competitive is no longer the goal. The Sabres enter the season with legitimate expectations despite an extremely difficult Atlantic Division. - **Buffalo is betting heavily on its young core.** Noah Östlund, Konsta Helenius, Zach Benson, Josh Doan and Jiri Kulich could all play significant roles as Buffalo attempts to replace the production and leadership lost during the offseason. - **Goaltending remains a major question.** Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Alex Lyon and Colten Ellis give Buffalo options, but Patrick and Steve debate whether the Sabres have a true difference-maker in net—and whether Connor Hellebuyck could eventually re-enter the conversation. - **Owen Power could be ready for another leap.** After an impressive postseason, Power has an opportunity to establish himself alongside Rasmus Dahlin as part of one of the NHL’s strongest defensive groups. - **Josh Norris may be Buffalo’s biggest X-factor.** Norris has the talent to be an impact top-six forward, but staying healthy and producing consistently will be crucial. Buffalo needs more than strong two-way play from him—it needs offensive production. Today’s episode is brought to you by the law offices of William Mattar. Hurt in a car, call William Mattar. 444-4444. Call William Mattar today to get the compensation you deserve. Also want to give a shout out to First Response Breaks for their support. If you’re a fan of full size NFL game style or custom helmets that come with licenses of authenticity, then First Response Breaks is a group you should following on Facebook. Big thank you as well to Ranger Services for their support. Ranger Services is your go to source For Dumpster Trailer rentals. Worried about damaging your driveway with a bulky dumpster on your beautiful driveway? Well Ranger has you covered. His rubber wheeled trailers will protect your driveway from any damage and allow you to get rid of your waste! Thinking about renting a bagster? Well don’t. They don’t fit much and will sit on your front lawn for weeks killing your lawn. Call ranger for one of his dumpster trailers . His quick in and out service will make your project quick and easy. Please be sure to subscribe to Talking Buffalo on the audio side, even if you usually watch the show via YouTube. Several of the links to follow Talking Buffalo can be found right here. Also if you’re not yet subscribed to Talking Buffalo on YouTube, please do so and be sure to hit the LIKE button on the videos, it really helps with the algorithm! ♦♦♦♦♦ *Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast*  Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack Twitter:  @PatrickMoranTB Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.