Complete Buffalo Sabres Opening Night Roster Guide: Lineups, Projections & Goaltending Breakdown | 2025-26
- Jason Moser
- Oct 9
- 9 min read
The waiting is over.
Tonight at 7:00 PM, the Buffalo Sabres take the ice against the New York Rangers to begin the 2025-26 season. After 14 years of playoff drought, after a summer of modest moves, after all the talk about "internal development" and "culture building" - it's time to see what this roster can actually do.
Earlier today, we broke down the three storylines that will define Buffalo's season. Now it's time for the complete roster breakdown.
Who's playing where? Which lines have chemistry? How will the goaltending rotation work without Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen? What does PuckLuck's projection model say about each player's potential?
This is your comprehensive guide to the 2025-26 Buffalo Sabres roster - from the opening night lineup to the depth players who could make an impact, from the goaltending question marks to the prospects knocking on the door.
Let's break it down, line by line, pair by pair, player by player.
What Changed: Roster Movement & Key Additions
The Ins - New Faces for 2025-26
FORWARDS:
Josh Doan (via trade from Utah)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 7/10
Why it matters: Two-way upside, could climb to top-6
Projection: 11G-20A-31P in 63 games
Justin Danforth (UFA signing)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 6/10
Why it matters: Bottom-6 depth, PK specialist
Projection: 8G-11A-19P in 59 games
DEFENSE:
Michael Kesselring (via trade from Utah)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 7/10
Why it matters: Second-pairing anchor next to Owen Power
Projection: 5G-18A-23P in 55 games
Conor Timmins (via trade from Pittsburgh)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 3/10
Why it matters: Right-shot depth, PP/PK option
Projection: 4G-15A-68P in 68 games
Zac Jones (UFA signing)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 1/10
Why it matters: Depth/injury insurance
Projection: Limited NHL time
GOALTENDING:
Alex Lyon (UFA signing)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 8/10
Why it matters: Opening night starter, must steal games
Projection: 2.97 GAA, .905 SV% in 34 games
Alexandar Georgiev (UFA signing)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 2/10
Why it matters: Emergency depth while UPL recovers
Projection: 3.11 GAA, .895 SV% in 9 games
Colten Ellis (claimed off waivers from STL)
PuckLuck Impact Rating: 1/10
Why it matters: NHL potential
Projection: 3.75 GAA, .887 SV% in 4 games
The Outs – Who's Gone
DEPARTED:
JJ Peterka [F] (traded to Utah)
The loss: 27G-41A-68P last season
The impact: Top-6 scoring void to fill
Connor Clifton [D] (traded to Pittsburgh)
The loss: Physicality
The impact: Replaced by Timmins
James Reimer [G] (free agent)
The loss: Solid backup down the stretch
The impact: Lyon must replace his production
Sam Lafferty [F] (traded to Chicago)
The loss: Speed and physicality
The impact: Replaced by Danforth
INJURED RESERVE (Opening Night):
Owen Power (strain, expected to play)
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body, week-to-week)
Michael Kesselring (undisclosed, week-to-week)
Jordan Greenway (recovering from surgery, IR to start season)
Carson Meyer (missed all of the preseason)
The Depth Chart – Opening Night Edition
LEFT WING:
Zach Benson
Jason Zucker
Jordan Greenway [IR]
Beck Malenstyn
Mason Geertsen
CENTER:
Josh Norris
Ryan McLeod
Jiri Kulich
Peyton Krebs
Tyson Kozak
Carson Meyer [IR]
RIGHT WING:
Tage Thompson (A)
Alex Tuch (A)
Jack Quinn
Josh Doan
Justin Danforth
LEFT DEFENSE:
Rasmus Dahlin (C)
Owen Power [IR]
Bowen Byram
Mattias Samuelsson (A)
Ryan Johnson
Jacob Bryson
RIGHT DEFENSE:
Michael Kesselring [IR]
Conor Timmins
GOALTENDER:
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen [IR]
Alex Lyon
Colten Ellis
Alexandar Georgiev
Note: Depth chart as of October 9, 2025, 11:00 AM. Subject to change based on pending roster decisions.
Player-by-Player Breakdown: PuckLuck's 2025-26 Projections
PuckLuck's projection model analyzes historical performance, usage patterns, linemate chemistry, age curves, and deployment to forecast each player's 2025-26 season. We've also assigned Dynamic Player Attributes - our proprietary system that identifies which players are elite in certain categories.
Here are the players who will define Buffalo's season, with our projections and attribute breakdowns.
Top Tier – The Foundation
The Sabres have two clear elite talents in Thompson and Dahlin. Both players project to be around the point-per-game mark, with a ceiling outcome reaching into the high 90s.
Tuch isn't far behind but falls into the next tier of offensive punch. Then there's a third tier, consisting of Zucker, Quinn, McLeod, Benson, and Norris. Norris is an interesting one to project, as his games played projection, as well as his point totals, are affected by his previous missed time due to injury. We could see a spike in the point-per-game totals, especially given the instant chemistry he's seen with Thompson.
Second Tier – The Supporting Cast
An argument can be had for bumping Power and Byram up a tier, but, based on point projections alone, they reside in the secondary column. Both defensemen have an outside chance at impressing Team Canada this season for Olympic consideration, but that would require a big leap forward in their development.
Kulich's lack of playmaking will likely hold him back from putting up big numbers this season. Krebs and Doan are two-way producers. Kesselring and Timmins are solid puck movers that can put up respectable assist totals.
Danforth should be an effective player in limited ice time.
Third Tier – The Bottom of the Lineup
From stay-at-home defenseman Mattias Samuelsson, to the oft-injured Jordan Greenway, to call-up options Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius, don't expect any surprises from the bottom-of-the-lineup dwellers.
Fourth Tier – The Rest of the Hopefuls
While players like Radim Mrtka and Josh Dunne were good preseason stories, they project to have very little impact on the 2025-26 version of the Buffalo Sabres. Enforcer Mason Geertsen and grinder Tyson Kozak made the initial roster, but don't project to contribute much offensively in the limited game action they see.
Line Chemistry Breakdown: PuckLuck's Advanced Analysis
Last season's Sabres lineup saw some instant chemistry with newcomers but resulted in a year of a lot of line juggling. This preseason, there was noticeable chemistry between Norris and Thompson - a dangerous thought for opposing defenses.
2025-26 Buffalo Sabres Opening Night Roster:
FORWARDS:
Benson - Norris - Thompson
Zucker - Kulich - Tuch
Quinn - McLeod - Doan
Malenstyn - Krebs - Danforth
Extras: Mason Geertsen, Tyler Kozak
DEFENSE:
Dahlin - Timmins
Power - Bryson
Byram - Samuelsson
Extra: Ryan Johnson
In order to understand line fits, it's important to understand what the coach expects each line to do. Some lines are deployed defensively to shutdown the opponents' best talent. Some lines are sheltered from the defensive zone to maximize offensive opportunities. Sometimes, the coach trusts certain lines in any situation to simply outplay their opponent.
That's likely what head coach Lindy Ruff will ask of Benson, Norris, and Thompson as his top line. Expect them to see a lot of the opposing team's top lines, since there is plenty of defensive prowess and puck possession ability to complement their scoring touch. Benson is a good fit as the F1, meaning he is first on the forecheck causing havoc and retrieving pucks. His job then is to feed Norris and Thompson, who both have elite shots and are savvy offensive minds.
Which line draws the secondary matchups will be more interesting. Tuch is probably Buffalo's next best defensive forward, but Zucker and Kulich have d-zone deficiencies. McLeod and Doan are solid two-way players, but Quinn is a bit out-of-place with them on his off-wing. This could cause breakout issues and negate some of McLeod's speed in transition.
The fourth line of Malenstyn, Krebs, and Danforth, while reliable defensively, are more of disrupters than play-controllers. Expect the trio to bring a physical presence and chip in on the occasional goal.
As for the defense pairs, things are very fluid. Anyone on the roster can succeed next to Dahlin, but Byram in particular took things to new heights. Look for them to play together in key situations and throughout much of the season.
Power is on a bit of an island with Kesselring on IR. The expectation is that Kesselring's defensive responsibility, clean breakouts, and elite shot-assist capabilities in the offensive zone are all perfect complements to Power's skillset.
That leaves Samuelsson and Timmins, who are qualified bottom-pair defensemen for different reasons. Samuelsson carries limited offensive upside, but has faired okay historically against the opponent's top players. Timmins is a good puck mover and skater who does not possess the elite qualities necessary to stick in the top-four.
The Goaltending Situation: A Complete Breakdown
Alex Lyon – Opening Night Starter
Career Stats:
Last 2 seasons (DET): 74 GP, 35-27-6, 2.96 GAA, .896 SV%
2024-25: 30 GP, 14-19-1, 2.81 GAA, .896 SV%
PuckLuck's Goalie Projection:
Games Played: 34
Record: 18-13-3
GAA: 2.97
SV%: .905
GSAx (Goals Saved Above Expected): +6.12
Strengths:
Battle-tested (played for stretches in a pinch before)
Strong positionally
Excellent with traffic in front
Weaknesses:
Not a true number 1 (career backup)
Struggles with high-danger chances
Can't carry team for long stretches
PuckLuck's take: Lyon is a stopgap. He'll steal 5-7 games. He'll also cost you 3-4. Perfectly average goaltending—which might not be enough.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen – The Unknown Timeline
Status: Week-to-week, lower-body injury
When healthy, PuckLuck's Projection:
Games Played: 31 (depending on return date)
Record: 16-12-3
GAA: 3.12
SV%: .899 (bounce-back from .887 last year)
GSAA: +0.00
Scenarios:
Best Case: Returns in 2-3 weeks, posts .910+ SV%, reclaims starter role
Realistic Case: Returns in 4-6 weeks, splits time with Lyon, posts .900 SV%
Worst Case: Injury lingers, inconsistent when back, Buffalo scrambles for trade
PuckLuck's take: Everything hinges on UPL. If he returns to 2023-24 form (.910), Sabres make playoffs. If not, they don't.
Alexandar Georgiev – The Emergency Backup
Career Stats:
Last season (COL/SJS): 49 GP, 15-26-4, 3.70 GAA, .875 SV%
Career: .903 SV%
PuckLuck's Goalie Projection:
Games Played: 9
Record: 4-4-1
GAA: 3.11
SV%: .895
GSAA: -0.81
Strengths:
Experience as a starter
Can get hot for short stretches
Weaknesses:
Declined significantly in Colorado
Poor rebound control
Struggles under pressure
PuckLuck's take: Georgiev feels like a desperation signing. If he's playing 30+ games, something has gone very wrong.
The AHL Depth – Levi, Ellis
Devon Levi (Rochester)
Former top prospect sent down for development
Could be recalled if disaster strikes
PuckLuck projection if recalled: .898 SV% (not ready yet)
Colten Ellis (claimed off waivers)
Emergency depth only
.922 SV% in AHL last year
Don't expect many NHL games unless injuries pile up
Goaltending Rotation Plan
Initial Plan:
Lyon starts 3 of first 4 games
Ellis gets 1 game to show he belongs
Rotate based on performance
When UPL Returns:
Gradually work him back
Split 50/50 with Lyon initially
If UPL proves healthy, take back the starting role
PuckLuck's Prediction: Buffalo will use 3-4 goalies in the first month (Lyon, Ellis, Georgiev, eventually UPL). Messy but necessary.
Final Thoughts: Is This Roster Good Enough?
So there it is - the complete 2025-26 Buffalo Sabres roster, dissected line by line, player by player, weakness by weakness.
The talent is there. Thompson, Dahlin, and Tuch are legitimate difference-makers. The depth is better than it's been in years. The young players - Benson, Kulich, Doan - have real potential.
But the goaltending is a disaster waiting to happen. The defensive depth is shaky. And the margin for error is razor-thin.
PuckLuck's Roster Grade: B-
Translation: Good enough to compete for a playoff spot IF everything goes right. Not good enough to feel confident about it.
Tonight's opener won't answer all these questions. But it will give us our first real look at how this roster fits together under the bright lights.
Puck drops at 7:00 PM ET. PuckLuck will be live-tweeting the game with real-time analysis.
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**Coming Soon** Our complete season projection, playoff odds, win total predictions, and the value bets where PuckLuck's model disagrees with Vegas.
Follow @PuckLuckJay for live coverage tonight.
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