Sabres News & Rumors: Injury Updates, Preseason Is Halfway Over and More

The Buffalo Sabres are halfway through their preseason and are now one week away from their season opener when they take on the Blue Jackets in Columbus on Oct. 1.

Here is the latest news and rumors surrounding the Sabres.

Preseason Is In Full Swing

The preseason is winding down this weekend, and the Sabres have already given fans a look at both their depth pieces and their NHL roster. They opened the schedule Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a game where most of Buffalo’s non‑rostered players suited up in a 4–1 loss. Twenty‑four hours later, the NHL lineup took the ice at KeyBank Center and delivered a convincing 5-1 win over the Jackets.

There wasn’t much to take away from the opener in Pittsburgh, but one bright spot stood out: goaltender Colten Ellis. He stopped all eight shots he faced in the third period and looked sharp, composed, and in midseason form.

Tuesday’s game offered far more substance. With the NHL roster dressed, the Sabres looked fast, connected, and in control from the opening puck drop. Yes, Columbus iced a lineup filled with non‑rostered players, but Buffalo still executed the plays they were supposed to, made clean exits, showcased quick puck movement, and finished on their chances.

One of the biggest standouts was the line of Zach Benson, Noah Ostlund, and Jack Quinn. They were great all night, driving play and generating offense with ease. Benson finished with two assists, Ostlund buried two goals, and Quinn added an assist. Their chemistry was noticeable, and it’s becoming clear that this trio could be one of the team’s top lines heading into the season.

The defense looked sharp as well. Fans got their first look at the new pairing of Owen Power and newly-acquired defenseman Olen Zellweger, and the two appeared comfortable together, moving the puck efficiently and complementing each other’s strengths. Unfortunately, Zellweger’s night ended early after he left the game with a concussion, one of two injuries the Sabres suffered on the blue line.

Goaltending was another major positive. Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen stopped all 13 shots he faced through two periods, looking calm and technically sound. Ellis followed him in the third, stopping 11 of 12 shots to secure the win. Between both games, Ellis has arguably been Buffalo’s most impressive preseason performer.

Despite the strong showing, the Sabres didn’t escape without concerns. Injuries to Mattias Samuelsson and Zellweger now loom over the final days of camp, and their statuses could influence how Buffalo approaches roster decisions heading into Opening Night.

The Sabres have two preseason games remaining. They travel to Detroit on Thursday to face the Red Wings at 7 p.m. EDT, then return home Saturday afternoon for their preseason finale against the Penguins at 3 p.m. EDT. With camp winding down and roster battles tightening, these final two games will be crucial for players fighting for spots, and for the coaching staff as they evaluate how to adjust with the absences of Samuelsson and Zellweger

Samuelsson and Zellweger Injury Updates

During Tuesday night’s game, midway through the second period, Samuelsson blocked a shot and headed to the locker room shortly after. As for Zellweger, he took a heavy hit from Carson Soucy late in the period and needed assistance leaving the ice. Neither player returned.

After the game, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said Samuelsson is considered week‑to‑week with a lower‑body injury and the team will re‑evaluate him over the next couple of weeks to determine how quickly he can return. Zellweger, meanwhile, is currently in concussion protocol, which makes his timeline far more uncertain.

Lindy Ruff said Olen Zellweger is in concussion protocol. Mattias Samuelsson is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

— Joe Yerdon (@JoeYerdon) September 23, 2026

Ruff noted that the Sabres have defensive depth for a reason. It’s also worth mentioning there has been some online debate about whether the Sabres should look outside the organization for help on defense. Ruff made it clear that those conversations have not taken place, suggesting the team is focused on internal options for now.

With the season opener just a week away, Buffalo may need to lean on a combination of Dennis Gilbert, Zach Metsa, Ryan Johnson, and even Radim Mrtka, who has an outside chance of earning minutes. Ultimately, the coaching staff will choose the route they feel gives the team the best chance to succeed. Based on Ruff’s comments, he appears confident in the group they already have.