With one week left before the NHL’s 23-man roster deadline, the Buffalo Sabres have reduced their training camp roster from 61 to 31 players. The final roster must be submitted by Monday, October 6 at 5 p.m., with two preseason games remaining for further evaluation.
Eighteen forwards remain in camp, including Jordan Greenway, who has been sidelined with an injury since the start of camp. Head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that Greenway may return to practice next week.
The forward lines have begun to take shape. The top line of Zach Benson, Josh Norris, and Tage Thompson has combined for ten points over two preseason games. Norris commented on the developing chemistry: “It’s just nice to be out there with them and get some chemistry going. Obviously, they’re both extremely skilled. Tommer’s had a lot of success, and Benny looks great too. I think he’s going to have a great year. Just kind of sneaky skilled and not even sneaky, he’s just a really good player so I’m excited to keep going with those guys.”
Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, and Alex Tuch formed a line during the Sabres’ recent win over Detroit. All three contributed offensively in preseason play and are expected to play significant roles on special teams. Ruff praised Tuch’s defensive contributions: “I think he has a lot of characteristics from the number of pucks he can take away from people, the way he defends. He’s one of the top penalty killers on our team, and then at the back end of that, he’s a guy that scored 37 goals. I thought his game really grew as the year went on, that he made a really conscious effort to be a real good two-way player and that’s a growth we wanted to see.”
A younger trio—Josh Doan (acquired this summer), Jiri Kulich (currently injured but expected back soon), and Jack Quinn—has also seen time together in preseason games. Doan discussed his adjustment process: “I’m still getting used, a little bit, to the structure… But I think as the games have gone on I’ve felt a little bit more comfortable and playing with Quinny, he’s been a huge help with that. I think just day by day keep asking questions and watching video and finding a way in.”
Other notable forwards include Beck Malenstyn, Peyton Krebs (whom Ruff described as “Swiss Army Knife”), Justin Danforth (praised for faceoff ability), Tyson Kozak (who played NHL games last season), Mason Geertsen (reunited with Ruff after time in New Jersey), Josh Dunne (known for physicality), Noah Ostlund (a first-round pick from 2022), and Carson Meyer.
On defense, Mattias Samuelsson is considered week-to-week but could return next week; Bowen Byram is day-to-day but will not play against Pittsburgh Wednesday.
Defensive pairings at Monday’s practice included Rasmus Dahlin with Michael Kesselring; Owen Power paired with Radim Mrtka; Ryan Johnson alongside Conor Timmins; Jacob Bryson paired with Vsevolod Komarov.
Ruff noted Mrtka’s progress through camp: “With a couple guys being out, we’ve been able to take a longer look at him… You try to see where his game can be… And so far he’s been able to handle it pretty well.”
Regarding goaltending decisions, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen remains out of game action due to injury but is practicing again; Alexandar Georgiev and Alex Lyon have split preseason duties so far. Ruff addressed potentially carrying three goalies into opening night: “I’m not a fan of three really but sometimes you have to do it for sure… In a situation where UPL is coming off an injury, there’s a chance that could happen for us.”
The Sabres continue preparations ahead of their home opener as they finalize their lineup choices.
