It’s Official: Buffalo Sabres hockey will return on September 15th

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: Filip Cederqvist #49 of the Buffalo Sabres skates during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center on September 27, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: Filip Cederqvist #49 of the Buffalo Sabres skates during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center on September 27, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)

A little over three months ago, the Buffalo Sabres season ended without a playoff appearance. But nonetheless, it also ended on a high note. 

We are officially just under two months from Buffalo Sabres hockey making its triumphant return in the form of the 2023 Prospects Challenge, where we can see perhaps some future members of the Blue and Gold square off against prospects from three other teams:

  • Montreal Canadiens: September 15th, 7 PM
  • New Jersey Devils: September 16th, 7 PM
  • Pittsburgh Penguins: September 18th, 5 PM

Better yet, we will likely see prospects who got development camp off, so if you’re looking to watch Matt Savoie and Zach Benson (who did attend camp) teaming up in a blue and gold uniform come September 15th, you may be in luck. The Prospects Challenge will also serve as preliminary auditions for a few prospects who could wind up filling in for the injured Jack Quinn during the first half of the season, such as Jiri Kulich.

Buffalo Sabres hockey returns September 15th with 2023 Prospects Challenge

Here at Sabre Noisewe will keep you updated regarding the projected roster, who to watch, and yes, we will even have some fun and make projections. We do know that you won’t see European prospects or those opting to play college hockey, so high-end players like Anton Wahlberg and Noah Ostlund will not be attending.

However, we are also likely to get a first look at several prospects who will be coming over this year, like Viktor Neuchev and Nikita Novikov, the latter of whom could play a huge role on the Rochester Americans blue line. Ryan Johnson is another player we will be getting an extended look at, as he also signed earlier in the year.

Overall, while the games don’t count, they do serve as much-needed reps for prospects and they give fans a good first look at what could one day be coming to the Queen City. And once the Prospects Challenge concludes, we will be on to training camp and the 2023 preseason.

Source: Sabres unveil schedule for Prospects Challenge in September by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com