The Buffalo Sabres are going to need to find a replacement for Bowen Byram during training camp and won't have much time to do it with a shortened training camp and preseason. It is a position battle that might be over before it even really starts, with the news that Louis Crevier had offseason shoulder surgery.
Crevier was acquired by Buffalo in the Bowen Byram trade with Chicago, but general manager Jarmo Kekalainen shortly after made a deal with the Anaheim Ducks for Olen Zellweger. At the time, he was a restricted free agent, but the Sabres were able to agree to a new three-year deal with Zellweger.
These two were expected to be competing in training camp for the spot vacated by Byram alongside Owen Power in the Top 4 pairing. Ahead of training camp, Kekalainen confirmed that Crevier had offseason shoulder surgery but should be ready for the start of the season.
Olen Zellweger has a huge advantage over Louis Crevier being available to start training camp
However, the next two weeks or so are invaluable for new players. The fact that Zellweger will be able to be on the ice in practice and preseason games, likely next to Owen Power, is a huge advantage.
For Zellweger, this doesn't necessarily guarantee that he is going to get that spot. He is coming off a career season in terms of total points with 22, but it took 76 games after he had 20 points in 62 games during the 2024-25 season. Zellweger struggled down the stretch with the Ducks and was even a healthy scratch in the playoffs. He will need to prove that he can deliver with an expanded role on this blueline.
However, his skill set seemingly is a perfect fit for the Buffalo Sabres and what they expect from their defensemen. He is a great skater, moves the puck well, and can help in the offensive zone, which gives him the chance to have a breakout season in Buffalo.
It is still unclear when Crevier might be back outside of him being ready in time for the regular season, based on Kekalainen's update. The Sabres could still give him a chance to win the job; however, that change probably will come at some point during the season, if at all.
Zellweger was the favorite going into training camp, and Crevier's absence only strengthens his chances to replace Bowen Byram on the Sabres' blueline in the 2026-27 season.
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