Buffalo Sabres Finalized 23-Man Opening Roster

The Sabres have set their roster for the new season while managing injuries to six players.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hockey

Buffalo Sabres Finalized 23-Man Opening Roster

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The Buffalo Sabres have officially set their 23-man roster for the upcoming campaign following the conclusion of training camp. The team currently includes 14 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 3 goaltenders.

Why it matters

The roster announcement comes as the organization balances coaching evaluations with a series of injury concerns that have impacted depth heading into the regular season.

The 23-man roster is comprised of 14 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 3 goaltenders. Six players have been designated for the injured reserve list.

The players

Mattias Samuelsson

He is a defenseman who sustained a lower-body injury during the preseason.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

He is a goaltender who sustained a lower-body injury during the preseason finale.

Rasmus Dahlin

He is a veteran defenseman who may be paired with Louis Crevier on the defensive line.

The details

Coaching staff finalized the lineup after evaluating player readiness during training camp and preseason games. Six players, including Mattias Samuelsson and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, have been moved to injured reserve due to various lower and upper-body ailments.

September 28, 2026: The team announced the initial 23-man roster.
October 1, 2026: The Sabres play the regular-season opener against Columbus.

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Roadmap

This roster selection reflects the team's ongoing effort to balance immediate performance needs with long-term depth strategies. The organization must navigate these constraints while maintaining compliance with the NHL's standard 23-man roster limit.

Fans will see a reshaped lineup for the season opener due to the recent injury designations. The inclusion of new defensive pairings will dictate the team's performance strategy in the upcoming matches.

The takeaway

The team's reliance on depth will be tested early in the season due to the number of players sidelined by injuries. Successful navigation of these absences will depend on the performance of secondary players filling the gaps.