Sabres’ Blue‑Line Options if Samuelsson and Zellweger Face Extended Absences

The Buffalo Sabres played their second preseason game on Tuesday night, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5–1. It was the first preseason matchup featuring their full NHL roster, as most teams typically showcase their regular lineup on home ice for their fans.

Even though Columbus iced mostly non‑roster players, the Sabres still looked sharp. They made simple plays, played fast, and brought plenty of physicality. Unfortunately, a couple of negatives emerged, including injuries to key defensemen.

Midway through the second period, Mattias Samuelsson blocked a shot and headed to the locker room shortly afterward. He did not return. Then, with just under two minutes left in the period, Carson Soucy delivered a hit on newly acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger, who appeared to be knocked out on the play and suffered a concussion. He also did not return.

Head coach Lindy Ruff provided updates on both players after the game. He said Samuelsson is still being evaluated, and the team hopes to know more on Wednesday, while Zellweger has a concussion. Ruff noted that the injury seemed to come more from Zellweger’s head hitting the ice than from the initial contact. He hopes to get a better sense of the severity later today.

Lindy Ruff said Mattias Samuelsson still being evaluated and hoping to know more tomorrow. Olen Zellweger has a concussion. Ruff felt it wasn't so much from the hit but him hitting his head on the ice. Hoping to get an idea of severity tomorrow.

— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) September 23, 2026

With two important blueliners already dealing with injuries, the Sabres may need to explore reunion options to reinforce their defensive depth.

Logan Stanley

Defenseman Logan Stanley remains unsigned. At last year’s trade deadline, the Sabres added size and toughness, which included acquiring Stanley from the Winnipeg Jets. With one year left on his deal, Buffalo took a flyer on him. He wasn’t particularly effective down the stretch or in the playoffs, saw limited minutes when he did play, and was a healthy scratch for most of the second round. Ultimately, the team chose not to re‑sign him.

With seven days until the Sabres’ season opener on Oct. 1, Stanley could be a realistic option if Buffalo wants additional blue‑line depth. It wouldn’t be the flashiest signing, but bringing in a proven NHL defenseman as the seventh D or even a third‑pairing option would not be a bad move.

He would also add the physicality and toughness the Sabres want in their lineup. If teams try to bully Buffalo, he would join a group that includes Beck Malenstyn, Sam Carrick, and Dennis Gilbert, who returned to the organization this offseason, that knows how to push back. It’s not a long‑term solution, but it’s a practical one if the Sabres need stability and snarl on the back end.

Jacob Bryson

The Sabres drafted Jacob Bryson 99th overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut during the 2020–21 season, appearing in 38 games and recording nine points. From that season through last year, Bryson mostly served as a seventh defenseman, rotating in and out of the lineup. Buffalo eventually traded him to the Jets as part of the deal that brought in Stanley and Luke Schenn.

Bryson was recently waived by the Detroit Red Wings. If the Sabres were to claim him, it would strictly be in a seventh‑defenseman role. He doesn’t offer much offensive or defensive upside, and at 5‑foot‑10, he doesn’t bring much physicality either.

What he does have is familiarity with the organization, and he could step into the lineup in a pinch. In some situations, he might even be a more reliable minute‑eater than Gilbert, but that depends entirely on how the Sabres envision their third‑pair playstyle. Since Jarmo Kekäläinen took over as general manager, he has emphasized that the team will not be outworked or pushed around. If that philosophy still holds, Bryson becomes more of a last‑resort option rather than a preferred one.

There’s also been some discussion about giving Radim Mrtka NHL minutes, but I’m in the camp that thinks he should develop in the American Hockey League (AHL). He’s only 19, and playing big minutes with the Rochester Americans would be far more beneficial for his long‑term growth. Letting him see minutes at the AHL level this season sets him up to become a legitimately strong NHL defenseman down the road.

We’ll find out soon enough what direction Kekäläinen chooses once the team has more clarity on Samuelsson and Zellweger’s injuries. Those updates will dictate whether the Sabres stand pat or add some depth to the blue line.