Three Buffalo Sabres Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2026-27

As the Buffalo Sabres look to build on their successful 2025-26 season, the focus will not only be on their established stars but also on the potential of their young talent. With the right development and opportunities, several players are set to elevate their game in the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Among those to watch is Konsta Helenius, who appears ready to make a significant impact. The 2024 first-round pick made a strong impression during his debut season with the Sabres, recording one goal and four points in just nine NHL games. His performance in the playoffs was equally impressive, as he notched two goals in four games. Furthermore, Helenius dominated in the AHL, tallying 63 points in 63 games with the Rochester Americans. With such a promising start, expectations are high for Helenius as he aims for a breakout year.

Noah Ostlund is another player who has shown great potential. After a solid season where he scored 11 goals and accumulated 27 points in 60 games for the Sabres, the 2022 first-round pick is poised to take his game to the next level. Given his trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him reach at least 20 goals and 45 points next season, as he continues to prove he belongs at the NHL level.

Lastly, new Sabres defenseman Olen Zellweger is a breakout candidate worth keeping an eye on. At just 22 years old, Zellweger has already showcased his skills in the NHL, and a fresh start with the Sabres could be exactly what he needs to elevate his performance. He is expected to receive more consistent playing time than he did with the Anaheim Ducks, where he recorded seven goals and 22 points in 76 games last season. With more opportunities in Buffalo, Zellweger has the potential to make a significant impact on the blue line.

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