Here’s the hockey viking’s detailed outlook for the Buffalo Sabres heading into the 2025-26 season — including a recap of 2024-25, roster moves, projected depth charts, and a season prediction.
2024-25 Recap
The Buffalo Sabres have been through quite a ride over the past few seasons. Fans know the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with supporting this team. But as we gear up for 2025, there’s a fresh sense of optimism in the air. Digging into the ambitions for this season, it’s clear there’s a renewed energy both on and off the ice.
Management’s recent shake-up plays a big part in this new vibe. With some changes in the coaching staff, the Sabres are looking to rewrite their playbook. These folks mean business, aiming to leverage fresh perspectives and new tactics. A big goal? Strengthening team cohesion and capitalizing on every scoring opportunity they get.
Setting sights on the playoffs is more than just a dream now; it’s on the checklist. This season, players and coaches have made it clear: they want a serious shot at the postseason. Anxious to break past old barriers, they’re focused on enhancing gameplay and strategy, driving with a vision that aligns everyone towards success.
The Sabres entered the 2024-25 NHL campaign hopeful of moving closer to breaking their long playoff drought. In the end they finished with a record of 36-39-7 (79 points) and placed 7th in the Atlantic Division.
- Offensively, Buffalo posted 265 goals — which ranked 10th among the 32 NHL teams.
- On defense, they surrendered 287 goals — ranking 29th in the league.
- Their season was marred by a brutal 13-game winless streak in late November/early December that essentially knocked them out of contention for most of the year.
- They did show signs of life late in the year — a hot streak in March/April kept faint playoff hopes alive until elimination on April 8.
- On the bright side, several young players made meaningful strides:
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- Alex Tuch matched his career high with 36 goals and coined himself as a strong two-way presence for the club.
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- Ryan McLeod shattered his previous highs with 20 goals and 33 assists for 53 points.
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- Jack Quinn had a breakout-ish campaign: the club went 19-7-1 in games when Quinn registered a point.
- The organization still faces major issues: defensive depth, goaltending stability, and consistent top-six forward performance remain unresolved. Analysts have cautioned that without addressing these holes the team risks regression.
In short: The Sabres made incremental progress in parts, but the overall picture remains one of a team still a step or two away from being a serious playoff contender.
Off-Season Moves: Additions & Subtractions
Additions
Here are some of the notable moves the Sabres made in the 2025 off-season:
- They signed Ryan McLeod to a 4-year contract, committing to his continued growth.
- They signed goaltender Alex Lyon to a 2-year deal. The signing is viewed as an upgrade (or stabilizing influence) in the crease.
- They traded for Conor Timmins (defense) and prospect Isaac Belliveau from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for veteran D Connor Clifton and a 2025 second-round pick.
- They acquired defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan in a trade for forward J.J. Peterka.
- They extended qualifying offers to a number of young players (e.g., Bowen Byram, Devon Levi) to keep future options in house.
Subtractions
- The trade of J.J. Peterka stands out; losing a young forward with upside (and one of their higher point producers) is a meaningful subtraction.
- Some analysts feel the Sabres’ off-season lacked a “splash” forward acquisition to elevate the top-six, which leaves questions around competitiveness in the near term.
Assessment
The off-season moves show the Sabres attempting to shore up defense (timely), keep their young core, and slightly upgrade goaltending depth. However, they did not land a marquee forward addition — which many believe they needed if they wanted to transition into serious contender mode. The trades and signings may keep the team moving forward but likely only at an incremental pace.
Roster Chart (2025-26 projected)
Here’s a projected take on the Sabres roster entering 2025-26 (note: some contracts, injuries, AHL demotions/promotions will obviously affect this).
Forwards
- LW: Alex Tuch
- C: Tage Thompson
- RW: Jiri Kulich
- LW: Jack Quinn
- C: Josh Doan
- RW: Ryan McLeod
- LW: Zach Benson
- C: Peyton Krebs
- RW: Jordan Greenway
- Others: Justin Danforth, Tyson Kozak, etc.
Defensemen
- D: Rasmus Dahlin (Captain)
- D: Bowen Byram
- D: Mattias Samuelsson
- D: Conor Timmins
- D: Michael Kesselring
- D: Jacob Bryson
- D: Zac Jones
Goaltenders
- G: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
- G: Alex Lyon
This chart assumes the young players previously mentioned remain in place and that no major unexpected trades or injuries derail the structure.
Depth Chart / Offensive & Defensive Line Charts
Offensive Lines
- Line 1: Tuch / Thompson / Kulich — Aiming to be the top line to drive offense and two-way responsibility.
- Line 2: Quinn / Doan / McLeod — A balance of emerging youth and mid-tier promise, trying to build secondary scoring.
- Line 3: Benson / Krebs / Greenway — Youth and upside mixing with veteran presence; aim is to push this line into more reliable production.
- Line 4: Kozak / Danforth / Miscellaneous rotation — Depth line, used for energy, penalty kill, and matchups.
Defensive Pairings
- Pair 1 (Top): Dahlin / Byram — Ideally your first-pair that drives play, contributes offensively, and stabilizes in their own zone.
- Pair 2: Samuelsson / Timmins — A combination of size, physicality, and emerging two-way competency.
- Pair 3: Kesselring / Bryson – Jones — Third pairing; Kesselring expected to contribute size and reach, Bryson and Jones provide depth and developmental flexibility.
Goaltending Depth
- Luukkonen is projected to take the majority of starts; Lyon will play a significant number of games to keep Luukkonen fresh, while also ensuring a reliable backup presence.
Season Outlook & Prediction
What to watch
- Defensive consistency & structure: The Sabres must improve in their own end. Giving up 287 goals last season (29th in the league) is unsustainable for a playoff push.
- Top-six forward production: While Tuch, Thompson, Kulich show promise, a true “difference-maker” top forward is still missing. If one of the younger forwards breaks out, it could elevate the club.
- Goaltending stability: If Luukkonen and Lyon can stabilize the crease and reduce the variance, that helps turning tight games into wins.
- Health and development of young players: The Sabres’ future rides on the growth of Quinn, Benson, McLeod and the like. Their progression will determine how quickly Buffalo can climb the standings.
- Capable trades or signings: If GM Kevyn Adams can find a forward upgrade (or defense upgrade) at the deadline, it could accelerate the push. Without it, incremental gains may be all the team yields.
Prediction
Given all of the above, my projection for the Sabres in 2025-26 is a mid-tier team or bubble playoff team.
Standout Players to Watch
When it comes to the Buffalo Sabres, there’s always anticipation around who’ll make waves on the ice. A glance at the roster, and some names instantly stand out. These are the players who’ll likely be turning heads and setting benchmarks this season.
Tage Thompson is a name Sabres fans are pretty thrilled about. His knack for finding the net and crafting plays is top-notch. With a solid record behind him, expectations are reaching new heights. His ability to inspire through sheer performance is promising for the team’s dynamics.
Keep an eye on Dylan Cozens too. Fast on his feet and showing sharp instincts, he’s the kind of player who makes things happen. His agility and strategic vision on the ice are bound to have a ripple effect, boosting the team’s competitive edge.
Now, let’s not forget about all the seasoned pros. The veteran players are the backbone, providing stability and leadership. Their guidance is invaluable, shaping younger players while maintaining focus under pressure. A blend of youthful exuberance flavored with veteran wisdom could be just what the Sabres need to clasp victory this season.
Key Strategies for Success
Winning in the NHL requires more than having talented players—it’s all about the smart gameplay and strategic maneuvers. The Sabres have been tweaking their tactics, looking to mix things up this season.
One crucial area to watch is their commitment to a more aggressive offensive strategy. By focusing on sharp, precise passes and quick transitions, they aim to outpace and outthink their opponents. Speed combined with accuracy could well become the Sabres’ signature on the ice.
Defensively, consistency is key. Solidifying the back end is paramount. With stronger goaltending performances, they can fend off threats while maintaining possession, keeping the opposing teams chasing instead of dictating play.
Special teams always have room for improvement. Power plays and penalty kills are areas where the Sabres aim to fine-tune their efficacy. Dominating these aspects can often be the turning point in tightly contested games.
Balancing the rush of an aggressive attack with defensive discipline remains an art. Overextending on offense can lead to vulnerability, so maintaining that balance is critical. Enlightening players about these nuances through rigorous coaching sessions might just align them for seamless execution and, hopefully, an exhilarating season.
Predicting the Season Outcome
Looking ahead, the Sabres have the potential to change the narrative that’s followed them in recent years. With revamped strategies and new energy from promising players, the outlook appears more optimistic than before. But it’s never straightforward in the world of hockey.
Reflecting on past performance can offer critical insights into what the Sabres need to adjust. Consistency was a struggle before, and overcoming that hurdle is crucial. If they can maintain focus and determination throughout the season, their playoff hopes become much more tangible.
A keen eye on possible challenges is essential. Injuries or unexpected hitches could impact performance. Preparing the squad to adapt quickly, the Sabres aim to confront these issues head-on without losing momentum.
Opponents in the East become tougher each season, and understanding how the Sabres measure up is vital. By analyzing rival tactics and game plans, they can pinpoint areas to exploit and where to reinforce.
If everything aligns—the strategies, player performance, and a bit of good luck—the Sabres can aim for a respectable spot in the division, perhaps(if the stars align) even sneak into a playoff spot. Fans are eager, and so am I, to see how the 2025 season unfolds, hoping it brings in more highs than some of the lows this team has dealt with over the last few years. Finally, there is hope for Buffalo.
Be sure to check out the hockey viking’s season outlook for all the other NHL teams.