The Buffalo Sabres finally left their 14-year playoff drought in the rearview mirror and will now try to firmly establish themselves as long-term Stanley Cup contenders.
It's an attainable goal for an organization with a talented group of under-30 players at the NHL level, many of whom (including franchise cornerstones Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson) are already signed to long-term contracts, and a vastly improved prospect pool.
A look at the farm system is where we'll begin our latest Sabres news roundup.
Buffalo lands 4 players in Top 75 prospect rankings for 2026-27
Keeping a championship window open as long as possible typically requires an ever-evolving organizational depth chart. As players reach their peak valuations, and some depart to maximize their earning potential like Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram, others must step up to fill the void.
The Sabres are already making a significant bet on improvement from the likes of Zach Benson, Josh Doan, Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, Konsta Helenius and Olen Zellweger this season, and there's more help on the way from the team's group of prospects.
Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff ranked four members of Buffalo's prospect pool in his Top 75 rankings ahead of the new campaign:
Rank | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
17 | Daxon Rudolph | Defenseman |
21 | Konsta Helenius | Center |
39 | Radim Mrtka | Defenseman |
59 | Ilia Morozov | Center |
The Sabres recently added Rudolph with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in the blockbuster Byram trade. He'll spend this season at the University of Denver before potentially making a quick jump to hockey's highest level.
Helenius scored 63 points (21 goals and 42 assists) in 63 games for the AHL's Rochester Americans last season and provided an offensive spark for Buffalo in the second round of the playoffs. He's ready for a full-time NHL role, likely in the top six.
Mrtka didn't make the offensive strides the Sabres were hoping for after selecting him in the first round of the 2025 draft, scoring just one goal in 48 games (regular season and playoffs) with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds, but his combination of size, skating and physical presence still gives him plenty of long-term potential, though the development runway is longer.
Morozov was the youngest player in college hockey last season but held his own, scoring 20 points (eight goals and 12 helpers) in 36 contests for Miami (Ohio). Buffalo will hope to see his point production take a leap forward as a sophomore with the RedHawks.
Olivier Nadeau signs with Vaxjo Lakers
The Sabres selected Nadeau in the fourth round (No. 97 overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft. It initially looked like a potential steal as the Canadian winger racked up an impressive 78 points in 65 outings with the QMJHL's Shawinigan Cataractes in his first post-draft season.
Nadeau's game didn't translate well to North American pro hockey, however, which led him to spend most of the past few years with the ECHL's Jacksonville Icemen.
The 6-foot-2 winger finally cracked the Amerks' lineup on a regular basis last season, but he posted just 26 points in 56 games before heading into free agency.
Vaxjo, which competes in the SHL (Sweden's top division), announced the signing of Nadeau for the 2026-27 season on Sunday.
"In Olivier we get a two-way forward who fits well into the profile this year's team has been given," Lakers sports director Henrik Evertsson said. "A very smart player who has his edge inside the 'box,' but who overall does a good job all over the ice."
Nadeau added: "I am really happy and excited to join Vaxjo Lakers and start this new chapter."
Since Nadeau is still just 23 years old, a return to North America remains possible in the coming seasons, but his all-around production must become more consistent during his time in Europe.
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