Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin has returned to training camp focused and motivated following a challenging offseason marked by personal hardship and the team’s recent breakthrough in the NHL. After a summer break that was the shortest of his nine-year career, Dahlin enters the 2026-27 season ready to build on the Sabres’ end to a 14-year playoff drought.
Last year, Dahlin faced significant emotional strain while his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, underwent life-saving heart transplant surgery in Europe. She rejoined him in Buffalo in March, allowing Dahlin to concentrate fully on hockey for the first time in months. The Sabres made history by clinching the Atlantic Division title and securing their first playoff series victory since 2007 before narrowly falling to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round.
“I can actually focus on hockey and not have to worry every day of what’s going on,” Dahlin said. Despite the progress, the 26-year-old defenseman emphasized the team’s heightened expectations. “Last year was hard. This year is going to be harder,” he said, noting that the Sabres are no longer seen as underdogs in the league.
The team opens its season Thursday on the road against Columbus, facing the challenge of proving their previous success was more than a one-time achievement. Buffalo’s roster features a youthful core that grew even younger after the offseason trades of key forwards Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen is placing significant trust in a group of forwards aged 24 and under, including Josh Doan, Zach Benson, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius. This young contingent will be expected to complement veterans such as Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, Peyton Krebs, and Jason Zucker.
On defense, Buffalo has solidified its lineup around Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, and Owen Power, adding Louis Crevier and Olen Zellweger through trades. Kekalainen, promoted to GM in December after serving as senior adviser, expressed confidence in his developing roster despite the continued uncertainty surrounding the potential trade of Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has publicly requested a move. Kekalainen declined to comment on Hellebuyck directly but affirmed trust in Buffalo’s current goaltending trio led by Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon, both of whom recorded 20-win seasons last year.
“Pretty good’s not good enough,” Kekalainen said, reflecting on the team’s past achievements and ambitions. Under his leadership, the Sabres transformed from last place in the Eastern Conference to a team with a franchise-record 50 wins, closing the season with a remarkable 39-9-5 run.
Veteran coach Lindy Ruff, who began his third season in his second stint as Buffalo’s head coach and recently signed a two-year extension, highlighted the importance of consistency. At 66, Ruff ranks third in NHL history for games coached and fourth for wins. He called a 50-win season a key milestone toward playoff success.
Injuries remain a consideration heading into the season opener. Defenseman Mattias Samuelsson is close to returning from a lower-body injury sustained while blocking a shot. Goaltender Alex Lyon, sidelined by an upper-body issue, is expected to resume practice soon. Luukkonen returned to practice after leaving the preseason finale early. Meanwhile, veteran forward Conor Sheary was assigned to the AHL’s Rochester Americans pending waiver clearance.
The Sabres enter this season with renewed optimism but acknowledge the challenge to maintain and surpass the standards they set last year. With a young core and experienced leadership, Buffalo aims to continue its ascent in the NHL standings.