Sabres Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines — Preseason Cuts, Injury Updates & More

The Buffalo Sabres have made their first round of preseason cuts ahead of the 2026-27 NHL regular season, demoting 17 players and placing eight on waivers. The eight players waived include Dennis Gilbert, Ryan Johnson, Mason Geertsen, Trevor Kuntar, Aidan McDonough, Carson Meyer, Jason Polin, and Matt Villalta. Buffalo is scheduled to begin its regular season on Thursday, Oct. 1, with a road matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Head coach Lindy Ruff provided several injury updates leading up to the opener. Ruff anticipates defenseman Olen Zellweger, who entered concussion protocol on Sept. 22, will be ready to play against Columbus. Meanwhile, Mattias Samuelsson is week-to-week following a lower-body injury, and forward Jason Zucker remains sidelined after an offseason sports hernia.