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.

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