3 Sabres With Breakout Potential in 2026-27

The NHL turned the page to the new season on July 1, which means training camp will be here before we know it.

The Buffalo Sabres have been active in acquiring talent. They were able to trade for the fourth-overall pick and drafted Daxon Rudolph; they also beefed up their blue line by acquiring defenseman Olen Zellweger from the Anaheim Ducks.

Now, as we get into the dog days of the offseason, and with the NHL recently announcing that it will reveal the 2026-27 schedule on July 16, it’s time to look forward to the new season. Here, we’ll look at the three Sabres that have the most breakout potential.

3. Noah Ostlund

Last season, when he was healthy, Noah Ostlund recorded 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 60 games before being sidelined for the remainder of the regular season due to an injury.

He briefly returned for the playoffs in the first round before suffering another injury. In the three games he played, he recorded two points. His impact during his brief playoff performance goes beyond the stat sheet, which is partly why he is on this list today.

Ostlund plays a full 200‑foot game; he backchecks, forechecks, and relentlessly pressures the puck. He wins battles along the boards and creates turnovers, which is what makes him such a unique player. Beyond that, he consistently finds open ice, uses his high hockey IQ to outsmart opponents, and pairs it all with excellent skating ability.

Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff showed last season that he already trusts the 22‑year‑old centerman. Before his injury, Ostlund earned time on the second power‑play unit and was relied upon in tight, late‑game situations, a clear sign of confidence from Ruff.

Even as he enters just his second season, Ostlund is poised for a significant jump on both sides of the puck. His skillset suggests he could produce 45‑plus points while anchoring the team’s second or third line, continuing to evolve into one of Buffalo’s most complete young forwards.

Konsta Helenius showed a lot of flashes last season that he can be a great player in this league for a long time. He only played in nine regular season games, which means he is considered a rookie this season, and even then, I’m probably higher on him entering the season than most people are.

Last season, in those nine regular season games, he recorded four points (one goal, three assists). He also got a taste of NHL playoff action as he played in four games, all during the second round, and scored two goals.

The reason he can break out is simply because of how much talent he has. The way he can shoot the lights out of the puck and find open teammates, he creates space for his line, and his hockey IQ is off the charts. Not only can he contribute offensively, but defensively, he is just as effective. His forechecking is already some of the best on the roster, and he knows how to get in passing/shooting lanes; it’s what makes him a great player.

With him only being 20 years old, I might be expecting too much, but it’s because I know he’s capable of it. He has the potential to score 20 goals, put up 50‑plus points, and legitimately enter the Calder Trophy conversation this season.

1. Zach Benson

It feels like an obvious choice. After signing a seven‑year contract extension worth $7.5 million per season, Zach Benson is ready to make some serious noise. Entering his fourth NHL season at just 21 years old, Benson already has 211 regular‑season games under his belt. Last season, he took on an expanded role, logging a career‑high 15:53 of ice time per game and setting new personal bests with 13 goals, 30 assists, and 43 points.

During Buffalo’s playoff run, Benson recorded nine points (five goals, four assists) in 13 games, arguably the team’s most impactful performance. His game is tailor‑made for playoff hockey: he agitates opponents, wins battles in the dirty areas, and thrives around the crease. Some have even compared his relentless style to Brad Marchand. He’s one of the league’s best forecheckers and never shies away from physical or mental battles.

Heading into his age‑21 season, Benson has the potential to reach 55–60 points while maintaining his strong defensive play. His playmaking continues to evolve, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him hit the 40‑assist mark this season.

The Sabres don’t just have hope for next season; they have expectations. If Ostlund and Helenius break out as expected, and the core of Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and others keep producing, Buffalo could be even more dangerous come playoff time.