The Buffalo Sabres are still looking for a true No. 1 goaltender. They used three goalies a season ago. The rotation of Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen faltered during the postseason.
They currently have the same three options on the roster as training camp nears, though Connor Hellebuyck trade rumors have persisted. The youngest of the current trio is Colten Ellis. The 25-year-old goaltender saw 16 starts in the campaign that broke the playoff drought.
He had a winning record last season (8-4-2) and was a capable back-up for either Lyon or Luukkonen when one of them was the primary. So, this season though could be a breakout for the young goalie.
Colten Ellis, Alex Lyon are pending free agents after the 2026-27 season for the Sabres
If Ellis can have an even stronger season, the Sabres may look at him for a more team-friendly contract than Lyon entering next offseason. Also, if he can emerge as a part of the starting rotation, and maybe even the team's long-term plans, it could lead to an even higher payday.
He had a save percentage of .903 last season. The Sabres in the past have had strong backup goalies that looked like the future at the position. But instability on the roster, a weak defense and unstable play led to none of these netminders panning out.
Depending on how the Hellebuyck pursuit goes, there's a chance the Sabres may try to slide Ellis through waivers to the AHL's Rochester Americans. Sometimes getting things put on to tape for the Lindy Ruff to see can help a player move up on a roster spot. A lot is still undecided.
As it stands,. the Sabres will need to make a decision on their three-goalie rotation and finally pick a primary starter moving forward. Ellis' age and speed represent upside. Sometimes a defense can breakdown, and the young goalie has demonstrated he can think quickly on his feet.
The next few years will decide a lot about Buffalo's future between the pipes. With UPL being mentioned in trade rumors, the impending free-agent status of Lyon and Ellis and the ongoing Hellebuyck speculation, several things are up in the air.
That uncertainty may provide a path for Ellis to steal the spotlight for the Sabres.
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