Buffalo Sabres Defensive Pairs
Pair 1: Bowen Byram - Rasmus Dahlin
Pair 2: Owen Power - Michael Kesselring
Pair 3: Mattias Samuelsson - Connor Timmins
As for the defensive pairs, it has gone exactly as expected entering training camp, as Bowen Byram and Rasmus Dahlin once again will be the team's top defensive pair. These two had over 625 minutes of ice time together last season and should build off the experience they gained.
The second pair will be Owen Power and Michael Kesselring, who was the other player the Sabres acquired from Utah in the JJ Peterka trade. The Sabres have not really been able to find a player that pairs well next to Power but Kesselring has a skillset that should do just that.
Finally, the last pair is expected to be Mattias Samuelsson and Connor Timmins, who the Sabres traded for during the NHL Draft. However, Samuelsson is dealing with an injury, which leaves some questions for that spot right now for Opening Night.
The injury doesn't seem overly concerning, but if he can't play, then it likely will be Ryan Johnson who will play next to Connor Timmins.
Goalie: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Alex Lyon)
Entering training camp, there might have been some questions at the position after the Sabres signed Alexandar Georgiev to a one-year deal. The team did that as Luukkonen was dealing with an injury.
However, Luukkonen as returned to practice and should play in the final two preseason games leading up to the season. If all goes as planned, he will be the team's starting goalie on Opening Night with Alex Lyon as his backup.