Columbus Blue Jackets (0 pts) vs. Buffalo Sabres (0 pts) Game Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets host the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena to kick off their 2026-27 NHL regular season. Columbus seeks to break a four-game losing streak in season openers, having last won an opener at home in 2021 against Arizona. Meanwhile, Buffalo enters the matchup having won the Atlantic Division in 2025-26 with 109 points while also aiming to end their own three-game opening-night skid.

Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski enters the campaign following a Norris Trophy-winning season in which he tallied 81 points in 75 games. The Blue Jackets face several injury absences to start the year, including Dante Fabbro with a broken hand and Damon Severson recovering from shoulder surgery, while forward Adam Fantilli begins his new six-year contract.