Mid-August Sabres Talk | Episode 191

Episode 195: The Buffalo Sabres’ 2026-27 Season is here!The team kicks off their season this Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and host the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday.The guys discuss preseason takeaways, if the forward group can truly replace Alex Tuch, if the defense group can replace Bowen Byram, their expectations for certain players/coaches, their season hot takes, and are even joined by a special guest for a surprise job interview.Tune in for three hours of Sabres talk!(0:00) Intro(0:32) WE MADE IT(8:54) Preseason Takeaways(22:47) Should Jiri Kulich make the Sabres’ roster?(34:33) The Power Play(43:22) What does a successful Buffalo Sabres season look like?(49:59) Can they replace Alex Tuch’s production?(1:04:25) Is Jack Quinn the X-Factor of this team?(1:08:57) Tage Thompson(1:14:33) Can Olen Zellweger replace Bowen Byram?(1:19:20) Louis Crevier(1:21:55) Is this Rasmus Dahlin’s Norris year?(1:27:07) Goaltending Trio(1:35:57) Connor Hellebuyck(1:39:38) Lindy Ruff(1:45:31) Seth Appert/Power Play(1:53:13) Jarmo Kekalainen(1:55:24) Will the Buffalo Sabres make the playoffs?(2:02:22) Devin Kowalski returns to the show for a job interview(2:25:08) Buffalo Sabres Over/Unders(2:36:14) Buffalo Sabres Hot Takes(2:44:22) Stanley Cup Picks(2:50:00) Weekly Preview(2:57:35) Christian’s Cafeteria Season Preview (3:06:39) Closing ThoughtsThe Sabre Report Podcast is presented by: https://williammattar.com/Sign up to our Patreon for more The Sabre Report content!https://www.patreon.com/TheSabreReport

In this week's installment, we preview a Montreal Canadiens team that sent the Buffalo Sabres packing in the 2nd round of the playoffs and made their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. We discuss their late season addition of Chris Kreider, and whether or not their linear progression in the standings will continue this season. (0:00) Intro(6:16) Key Adds/Departures(11:57) Key Storylines(17:49) Lineup Comparison(33:50) Predictions/Closing

In this episode, the guys prepare for their first week of Sabres hockey since May! They discuss the Jarmo Kekalainen & Lindy Ruff pressers, training camp lines & pairs, Connor Hellebuyck not reporting to camp, and much more!(0:00) Intro(0:32) There’s Buffalo Sabres hockey this week(18:09) JP rallies for support for his music taste(22:13) Jarmo Kekalainen & Lindy Ruff Pressers(1:13:28) Training Camp Lines & Pairs(1:32:47) Changes to KeyBank Center(1:44:44) Connor Hellebuyck refuses to report to training camp(1:55:34) Preseason Games Preview(1:57:39) Closing

In this episode, the guys discuss the latest in Connor Hellebuyck news, Noah Östlund signing an eight-year contract extension with the Sabres, preview Sabres training camp, and more!(0:00) Intro(0:32) Hockey is (almost) back(3:23) Connor Hellebuyck: still a Jet(13:29) Prospects Showcase(33:13) NOAH ÖSTLUND EIGHT-YEAR EXTENSION(56:45) Goal songs(1:08:12) Sabres Trivia(1:10:52) Zach Metsa Extension(1:17:18) Chris Kreider signs with Montreal(1:21:47) Martin St. Louis Extension(1:26:21) Training Camp Preview(1:49:43) Closing Thoughts

In this week's installment, we preview a Boston Bruins team that the Buffalo Sabres sent home in May after a very successful regular season. We preview their offseason swings and whether last year can be repeated. (0:00) Intro(8:13) Key Departures/Additions(16:35) Key Storylines(25:01) Lineup Comparison(35:55) Predictions/Closing

In this week's installment of Sabres vs the Atlantic, the guys preview an Ottawa Senators fresh off of dealing their captain in the summer and trying to stabilize the situation heading into next NHL season.(0:00) Intro(6:44) Key Adds/Losses(19:36) Key Storylines(30:07) Lineup Comparison(38:27) Closing

In this week's installment of Sabres vs the Atlantic, the guys preview a Detroit Red Wings team caught in the middle of hiring a new GM, attempting to trade their captain Dylan Larkin, and attempting to break the longest active playoff drought in the NHL.(0:00) Intro(11:47) Key Adds/Losses(18:17) Key Storylines(28:16) Lineup Comparison(41:14) Closing

In this episode, the guys discuss EVERYTHING surrounding Connor Hellebuyck’s trade request. They touch on the Sabres’ chances, who else could be involved, what a package could look like, and more!(0:00) Intro(0:32) Connor Hellebuyck goes public with his trade request(14:04) Do they finally land the “big fish”?(27:07) Who else could trade for Hellebuyck?(36:46) What does a package even look like now?(46:28) Jonah’s three mock trades(55:52) Fan-submitted mock trades(1:08:07) Hellebuyck’s playoff track record(1:16:40) How does this end?(1:23:57) JP reviews Bills Stadium Tendies(1:30:47) KeyBank Center renovations underway?(1:33:02) Closing

In this week's installment of Sabres vs the Atlantic, the guys preview a Florida Panthers team looking to rebound after an injury-riddled 2025-26 season.(0:00) Intro(7:49) Key Adds/Losses(16:13) Key Storylines(29:24) Lineup Comparison(39:59) Closing

In this episode, the guys discuss the Buffalo Sabres for the first time since early July! They touch on some news that has happened over the past month, their feelings about the roster/season at this point in time, Zach Benson’s weird U23 ranking, and more! (0:00) Intro(0:32) Hockey is approaching(2:32) Patrick Kane chooses Chicago(9:27) Turdburger vs Nickel City Jerseys(16:05) Big expectations for this year?(19:07) Become a TSR Patron!(24:45) Peyton Krebs Re-Signed(36:22) Are satisfied with the Sabres offseason?(1:01:42) Zach Benson’s U23 Ranking(1:13:31) New Sabres jersey coming(1:24:07) Christian’s Cafeteria: Bills Stadium Edition(1:31:07) Closing