Colten Ellis Proves to Be a Smart Waiver Pickup for the Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres’ decision to claim goaltender Colten Ellis off waivers from the St. Louis Blues at the start of the 2025-26 season is paying off. After a noteworthy 2024-25 campaign with the Springfield Thunderbirds, where he amassed a 22-14-3 record alongside a .922 save percentage and a 2.63 goals-against average in 42 AHL games, Ellis has transitioned effectively into the NHL.

As the season nears its conclusion, Ellis has established himself as a reliable No. 3 goaltender for the Sabres. With his acquisition coming at no cost, his contributions have exceeded expectations, making it difficult not to appreciate how well he has performed in this role.

In 15 games with Buffalo this season, Ellis boasts an 8-4-1 record, a .904 save percentage, and a 2.91 goals-against average. These statistics illustrate his effectiveness as a depth goalie, providing the Sabres with solid support when needed.

Ellis recently showcased his skill in a standout performance against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he recorded a remarkable 37-save shutout. This game marked a significant milestone for the 2019 third-round pick, as it was his first career shutout in the NHL.

Given his impressive play, it is evident that Ellis has been a valuable addition to the Sabres. While Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon have formed a strong tandem, Ellis has proven his worth whenever called upon, further solidifying Buffalo’s goaltending depth.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.