NHL Predictions: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Buffalo Sabres, October 15

The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Buffalo Sabres in their first matchup of the 2026-2027 season, with both Atlantic Division rivals entering the game with identical 3-3-1 records. Both clubs are dealing with significant defensive absences, as Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev was placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, while Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin is sidelined with an upper-body issue sustained against Florida.

Sergei Bobrovsky is projected to start in goal for Toronto against Buffalo's Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The matchup features Auston Matthews riding a five-game point streak for Toronto, while Tage Thompson leads Buffalo with four goals. Luukkonen has also recently drawn trade interest from the New York Rangers, according to reports.