Buffalo Sabres Will Open 2026-27 Season In Columbus
The Sabres begin their campaign on October 1 after a record-setting division title win last spring.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Will the Buffalo Sabres successfully replicate their 50-win performance in the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season?
The Buffalo Sabres will open their 2026-27 NHL season against the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 1, 2026. This start follows a successful 2025-26 campaign where the team clinched the Atlantic Division title and secured 50 wins.
Why it matters
The team enters this season looking to validate their recent success and prove that their 2025-26 performance was not a statistical anomaly. Head coach Lindy Ruff is also pursuing a historic career milestone, needing 50 more wins to reach 1,000 career victories.
The Sabres finished their 2025-26 regular season with a 39-9-5 record. This followed the end of a 14-season playoff drought for the franchise.
The players
Lindy Ruff
He serves as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres and is currently pursuing a career milestone of 1,000 NHL coaching victories.
Jarmo Kekalainen
He is the general manager responsible for directing the Buffalo Sabres roster management and personnel acquisitions.
The details
The Buffalo front office has reconfigured the roster through several key trades, parting ways with Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram while acquiring Louis Crevier and Olen Zellweger. These moves are intended to supplement the existing core of veteran players and prospects under the leadership of general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
Timeline
2006-07: The last season the franchise reached 50 wins before the 2025-26 season.
May 2026: Lindy Ruff signed a two-year contract extension to remain head coach.
October 1, 2026: The Buffalo Sabres open the 2026-27 season on the road in Columbus.
Season Trajectory
The 2026-27 season opener follows the precedent set by the 2025-26 Atlantic Division title win. This campaign will determine if the Sabres can maintain their status as a top contender after successfully ending a 14-season playoff drought.
The season opener marks the first opportunity to see the impact of new additions Louis Crevier and Olen Zellweger on the team's defensive rotation. Fans should monitor how these roster changes align with the Sabres' goal of repeating their 50-win performance.
The takeaway
The Sabres face pressure to sustain their momentum following a landmark season that finally ended a long playoff absence. Maintaining a high winning percentage will be essential for coach Lindy Ruff to reach his 1,000-win milestone.
Further reading
For more on the team's outlook, visit the Buffalo Hockey section.
Live Poll
Will the Buffalo Sabres successfully replicate their 50-win performance in the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season?
