Sabres Could Set Up Big Season with Hot Start in the Face of Injuries

Ryan Womeldorf of The Hockey Writers argues that the Buffalo Sabres can establish strong momentum for the 2026-27 NHL season by achieving a fast start despite entering the campaign severely depleted by injuries. Key contributors including Conor Sheary, Jason Zucker, Conor Timmins, and Mattias Samuelsson are sidelined on injured reserve, while starting goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is considered doubtful for Thursday's season opener after tweaking an injury in the final preseason game.

Despite the early setbacks and thin defensive depth, Womeldorf writes that Buffalo retains a talented, deep roster led by stars Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson. He contends that weathering a difficult opening schedule against tough opponents like the Minnesota Wild, Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth, and Florida Panthers could galvanize the reigning Atlantic Division champions before reinforcements return in October.