Sabers News & Rumors: Goalie Shuffle, Injured Blue Line and Forward Opportunities – Hockey Writer – Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabers are heading into the 2025-26 season with more questions than answers — at least early on. Injuries, waivers and some unexpected moves have shaken the roster, leaving head coach Lindy Love and the front office facing the delicate task of balancing development, depth and competitiveness. The preseason is over, and what seemed like minor bumps in the road during training camp are now shaping the lineup for opening night.
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Buffalo fans have learned to accept growing pains, but among the setbacks lie opportunities. Young players will get opportunities, veterans will be relied on in new ways, and the team’s depth — a long-standing concern — will be immediately tested. It’s a season full of uncertainty, but if the right players step up, progress is possible.
Item 1: Goalie Shuffle: Georgiev waived, Lukonen out
The Sabers’ crease has become a merry-go-round before the season even begins. Love confirmed that Alexander Georgiev will be placed on waivers after a inconsistent training camp in which the coaching staff did not convince him that he was ready to join an NHL roster. The move came despite the team’s No. 1 goalie Uko-Pekka Lukonen being placed on injured reserve with a lower-body issue.
Buffalo attempted to close the gap by asking the Blues to waive Colten Ellis. The 24-year-old is coming off a solid year in the American Hockey League (AHL) and will likely begin his Sabers career with the Rochester Americans, but the organization views him as insurance in case Lukonen’s recovery drags on. Currently, Alex Lyon looks likely to start in the opener against the New York Rangers .
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It’s a confusing situation. Love admitted they will be “extremely cautious” with Lukonen, who is set to appear in 55 games in the 2024-25 season. Hopefully this is just a short-term setback and not another chapter in his long list of frustrating distractions.
Item 2: Blue line explodes ahead of opening night
The Sabers’ defensive legions have come under heavy attack. Owen Power, Michael Kesselring and Mattias Samuelsson all entered the injured reserve list this week, leaving Rasmus Dahlin and Bowen Byram to occupy playing time to start the new season.
Ball’s injury — officially called a strain — is the most concerning. After a 40-point breakthrough season, Buffalo is counting on him to continue to develop into a reliable player on both sides of the ball. Love didn’t specify how long he would be out, but it was clear he wasn’t ready for the opener. Kesselring faces undisclosed issues each week, and Samuelsson skated in a non-contact jersey on Monday, suggesting he’s close but not quite there yet.
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Early injuries opened the door for Jacob Bryson and Ryan Johnson, both of whom have a chance to prove they can handle regular NHL duties. The Sabers have spent years trying to stabilize their blue line — and the plan is already being tested before Game 1.
Item 3: Injuries to Greenway and Meyer create new opportunities
Up front, Jordan Greenaway suffered a lower-body injury that will keep him out for at least opening night and possibly longer. The 28-year-old winger has been deployed in the middle six and is expected to feature in the second power-play squad. With him sidelined, Josh Doan and Mason Gertsson will likely see more ice time, with Love hinting that Doan could get an early opportunity in a bottom-six role. How well these depth players handle the responsibility could impact Buffalo’s early-season rotation.
Meanwhile, veteran forward Carson Meyer (knee) also entered the injured reserve and is temporarily unable to play. Meyer’s experience will be valuable when he returns, but at the same time, it’s another opportunity for the young forward to show he belongs at the NHL level. Injuries can be frustrating, but they also give the Sabers a first look at the depth and potential breakout candidates.
What’s next for the Sabres?
Buffalo opens the new season Thursday night against the Rangers, and the club enters the game with a mixture of hope and caution. We will closely monitor the goalie situation, stretch the blue line, and ask our forwards to quickly adapt to their new roles.
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Early-season challenges could reveal which young players are ready for bigger roles and how well the veterans anchor a lineup that’s already been tested before real games are played. The Sabres’ road to improvement won’t be smooth or easy — but if they can get through the first few weeks, they may find a foundation to build on long-term.
