Sabres Finalize Roster and Gear Up for Season Opener
Written by Pete Zehler on October 7, 2025
The Buffalo Sabres are officially set for the 2025–26 NHL season. Following the conclusion of training camp and a busy few days of roster moves, the team announced its opening night roster Monday, trimming the group to 23 players.
Over the weekend, defensemen Radim Mrtka, Vsevolod Komarov, Zach Metsa, and forwards Noah Ostlund and Josh Dunne were assigned to Rochester. The roster was then finalized through a waiver claim and several players being placed on injured reserve.
The biggest question heading into Thursday’s home opener is the status of defenseman Owen Power. Power was placed on injured reserve but returned to practice this week in a non-contact jersey, participating in line rushes and special teams drills. Both Power and head coach Lindy Ruff expressed optimism that he could be ready to play, as IR rules allow him to return after eight days.
Goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, defenseman Michael Kesselring, and forward Jordan Greenway will not be available to start the year. Luukkonen is recovering from a lower-body injury and remains week-to-week. Kesselring aggravated an injury during preseason and is also week-to-week. Greenway, meanwhile, continues his recovery from offseason surgery.
On the blue line, Mattias Samuelsson appears ready after progressing from a non-contact jersey back to full participation at practice. His presence will help stabilize a defense corps that could be without Power.
In net, the Sabres made a notable move by claiming goaltender Colten Ellis off waivers from St. Louis. Ellis, 25, was among the top AHL goalies last season with a .922 save percentage and will provide depth behind veterans Alex Lyon and, for now, Alexandar Georgiev. Georgiev was placed on waivers Tuesday; if he clears, he’ll report to Rochester.
The final roster currently sits at 22 players, leaving one spot open for Power’s potential activation before Thursday.
Buffalo will face the New York Rangers at KeyBank Center to open the season, with puck drop scheduled for Thursday night. It marks the beginning of an important campaign for the Sabres, who are looking to end their long playoff drought and build on the flashes of promise shown by their young core.
With Lindy Ruff back behind the bench and a roster that blends youth with experienced veterans, the Sabres enter the new season looking to establish early momentum on home ice.
