3 Sabres Predictions for the 2026-27 Season

At just 26 years old, Dahlin is entering the prime of his career and still has room to grow. He has yet to record a true point‑per‑game season, but he already owns two 70‑plus‑point seasons, which puts him in elite company. This is the season I believe he takes an even bigger step, not only hitting a point‑per‑game pace, but pushing toward 90 points and leading all NHL defensemen in scoring.

Dahlin’s creativity, ability to generate space, and playmaking instincts make him one of the most dynamic blueliners in the league. Over the last three seasons, he’s scored at least 17 goals, including a 20‑goal campaign, showing he’s not just a passer; he’s a legitimate scoring threat from the back end.

He has the talent to win multiple Norris Trophies, and this season feels like the one where he breaks through. Yes, he’ll be competing with Quinn Hughes, Lane Hutson, and reigning Norris winner Zach Werenski, but there’s a reason Dahlin finished third last year. He’s knocking on the door, and 2026‑27 is the season he kicks it down.

Sabres Win 50 Games Again

The Sabres are coming off their third 50‑plus win season in franchise history and their first Atlantic Division title since the realignment in 2012‑13. They’ll be looking to go back‑to‑back, and with the roster they have right now, I believe they’re capable of doing it.

Even with the departures of Tuch and Byram, Buffalo has the right pieces to replace what those two brought. It won’t be just one or two players filling their roles; it’ll be a combination of several young guys stepping up. Zach Benson is the biggest name in that group. He showed during the playoffs that he can drive play with his forechecking, create offense, and be a pest all over the ice. He’ll be the primary player stepping into Tuch’s spot.

Others who will help fill that void include Jack Quinn, who I expect to score 25–30 goals with an expanded role, along with Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius.

As mentioned earlier, the Sabres acquired Zellweger from Anaheim, and he’s expected to take over Byram’s role. He’s shown real offensive upside in limited NHL action, and with Buffalo’s stacked blue line, he’ll have plenty of time and support to develop his game.

The Sabres have scoring depth everywhere, from stars like Tage Thompson to fourth‑line contributors like Beck Malenstyn, and their defense remains one of the most productive groups in the league.

On top of that, the team has fully bought into Lindy Ruff’s system of getting ahead and staying ahead by playing a complete 200‑foot game. That identity was a huge reason for their success last season, and it’s why they’re positioned to do it again.

And of course, you can’t talk about the Sabres without mentioning goaltending. Alex Lyon, Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen, and Colten Ellis were all excellent last season, combining for a .907 save percentage. If they continue that level of play, Buffalo will once again be one of the toughest teams in the league.

Konsta Helenius Will Be Calder Trophy Finalist

I’ve been saying nothing but great things about Konsta Helenius all offseason. I’ve been higher on him than most people around the league, and honestly, I think it’s warranted. He only got a small taste of NHL action last season, nine regular‑season games and four playoff games, but he showed enough for me to believe he can be a Calder Trophy finalist in 2026‑27.

The rookie class he’s entering is a strong one. Helenius will be competing against first-overall pick Gavin McKenna, Porter Martone, Ivar Stenberg, Cole Hutson, Anton Frondell, and Roman Kantserov. It’s a deep group, but Helenius has the skill set to stand out.

My stat‑line prediction for Helenius is 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points, which should put him firmly in the top three of Calder Trophy voting. Considering he was a point‑per‑game player in the American Hockey League (AHL) last season and produced in very limited NHL minutes, this feels like a very reasonable projection. He’s already shown he can handle the pace, make plays, and contribute in meaningful situations; now he just needs the opportunity, and Buffalo is going to give it to him.

When you look at where the Sabres are heading, all three of these predictions point to the same thing: Buffalo is finally building a core that’s ready to take a real step forward. Whether it’s a young star breaking out, a key piece taking on a bigger role, or a veteran stabilizing the lineup, each prediction reflects a team trending in the right direction. If these predictions hit the way we expect, the Sabres won’t just be more competitive; they’ll be legitimately dangerous again in 2026‑27.