Buffalo Sabres prepare for season opener against Columbus Blue Jackets

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 9:03 PM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Buffalo Sabres prepare for season opener against Columbus Blue Jackets
Summary

The Buffalo Sabres open the 2026-27 NHL season on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. After ending a 14-year playoff drought last season, the Sabres finished with 109 points, securing the Atlantic Division title. They seek to build on last year's success following a strong playoff performance, losing to Montreal in Game 7. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen emphasized that past achievements do not guarantee future success, while coach Lindy Ruff and captain Rasmus Dahlin expressed the need for sustained effort and improvement moving forward.

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Status Watch
  • •The Sabres' season opener is on September 29 against Columbus.
  • •Buffalo finished last season with 109 points and won their division.
  • •The team lost to Montreal in overtime during the playoffs.
  • •Goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon faced preseason injuries.
  • •Buffalo features a young roster, averaging 26.48 years in age.
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  • 9:03 PMYahoo Sports — The Sabres ended the drought. These six questions come next
What they're saying
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Coming off their first playoff season in 15 years, the Sabres open 2026-27 Thursday night. Here is Sal Maiorana's team preview.

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