2026-27 Buffalo Sabres Preview
I recently sat down with Sabres beat reporter and insider Bill Hoppe from the Buffalo Hockey Beat to preview the season. Enjoy.
ML: This team now has expectations after last year, going from the sport’s basement to a Stanley Cup contender. Can they handle it?
BH: I think so. They handled everything well as last season progressed. If you go on a 35-9-5 run like they did, you’re clearly mature enough to handle adversity and setbacks. There’s no reason they can’t handle anything they face this season.
ML: Your player to watch?
BH: If I had to pick one, I’d say Zach Benson. He performed like a star (and a rat) down the stretch and in the playoffs last season. He delivered in high-stakes games. He should be able to continue that.
ML: Any in-season trades for this team? That goalie position continues to be a talking point.
BH: A lot of people wonder about Connor Hellebuyck, who wants out of Winnipeg. Based on his age, contract (term and money) and his performance last season, I wouldn’t trade for him. My thought is that ship has sailed. We’ll see.
ML: You are from Buffalo and have lived there your whole life. When the Bills and Sabres are great at the same time, what’s it like, the day to day, being in WNY?
BH: Well, people are happier, that’s for sure. There’s a buzz around town. People enjoy the teams’ success more these days having experienced such long stretches of futility.
ML: Will we ever see a Super Bowl or Stanley Cup?
BH: It’ll happen one day. It’s bound to. Right now, both teams are knocking on the door.
ML: You are close to the AHL scene as well and the Rochester Americans, a team that plays the hometown Syracuse Crunch often. Who are some skaters there with major promise in Buffalo?
BH: The Amerks are a little light on prospects this season, as many of the forwards have graduated to Buffalo. But keep an eye on defenseman Radim Mrtka, the ninth overall pick in 2025. He will likely play his first full pro season (he still has junior eligibility). He’s destined to play in the NHL someday.
ML: Major Eastern Conference teams in the way of the Sabres? Talk about a loaded group and plenty of teams got better on paper in the offseason.
BH: There are a lot – Carolina, Montreal, Tampa Bay and Florida come to mind. You can probably make a strong case for 10 or 11 teams.
ML: Thanks Bill. Continued success.
BH: Thanks, brother!
Follow Bill Hoppe on X @BillHoppeNHL and subscribe to Mike Lindsley on YouTube @mikelindsleynys. Mike is the host of BLEAV in NYS on all major podcast, social and digital platforms.
