As the Buffalo Sabres gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, anticipation is building around their roster and the depth it brings. The team has made notable changes, particularly with the addition of promising talent Josh Doan, who joins forces with veterans Ryan McLeod and Jason Zucker on what is expected to be a formidable third line. Last season, this duo of McLeod and Zucker showcased their scoring prowess, contributing to a remarkable 59 percent of the team's goals, and the inclusion of Doan could elevate that performance even further.
Doan’s impressive track record is highlighted by his stellar performance in Utah, where he maintained a 59.7 percent expected goals rate, underpinned by his strong defensive capabilities. This blend of offensive potential and defensive reliability could play a pivotal role in the Sabres' quest for a playoff berth.
The Sabres will be relying on several key players to support their playoff ambitions, including rising stars like Jack Quinn, Alex Tuch, and the ever-reliable Tage Thompson. On the defensive end, the duo of Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power is expected to anchor the blue line, while goaltending duties will likely be shared among Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and newcomer Devon Levi, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance in their early careers.
As the season approaches, the Sabres' depth and the chemistry within their lines could very well be the determining factor in their playoff chances. With a combination of experienced veterans and young talent, Buffalo is ready to make a strong claim in the competitive NHL landscape. Fans are hopeful that this season marks a turning point for the franchise as they seek to return to postseason glory.