In this episode of Expected Buffalo, I return after a month-long break, feeling refreshed and ready to dive back into hockey discussions. I touch on the quiet state of the league, particularly after the 4th of July, and discuss some minor trades, including the Sabres' trade of Stiven Sardarian to the Carolina Hurricanes.

I also highlight concerns regarding a few prospects in the Sabres' system, particularly focusing on Poltapov and Kleber.

I finally present my article on Olen Zellweger, discussing his fit within the Sabres' system, his offensive upside, and the concerns surrounding his defensive play. I compare him to Crevier, emphasizing the need for a rotation among defensemen as we head into the season.

As we look around the league, I mention the status of players like Dylan Larkin and Connor Hellebuyck, who remain with their respective teams despite trade rumors.

02:00 - Prospect Updates and Trades
04:30 - Concerns Over Prospects in the System
07:00 - Recent Prospect Rankings and Discussions
10:30 - Zellweger Article Overview
19:30 - League Updates and Player Status
22:00 - Expected Scouting and Future Plans
25:00 - Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Events

We're now a few weeks past the start of free agency, and it has gone quiet for the most part in the NHL. In this episode, we discuss the breakdown of Louis Crevier at expectedbuffalo.com.

Also, get into some chatter on a few rumors still circulating.

2:45 - Crevier Breakdown
19:25 - Never-ending Hellebuyck rumors
26:35 - Patrick Kane 
29:00 - Jack Quinn

With the Fourth of July passing, we move into cottage season on the NHL calendar. There may still be a few moves around the league, but history dictates that most teams are done changing their rosters.

The Buffalo Sabres didn't make any significant additions, but still had roster holes to fill. Did they do enough?

3:53 - Roster Departures
11:36 - Roster Additions
21:06 - What didn't happen
25:31 - Still on the board (Patrick Kane)
29:50 - Current team
36:57 - What now?

The 2026 NHL Draft weekend is over, and now we're heading into the free agent market opening on July 1st.

We recap draft weekend for the Buffalo Sabres, including the situation with Connor Hellebuyck. Then we shift the focus to free agent options.

1:30 - NHL Draft Weekend
5:33 - Connor Hellebuyck
13:39 - Free Agent Options

Let's catch up on the latest with the Buffalo Sabres with the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft less than 24 hours away.

2:45 - Fourth Overall Pick
13:35 - Trade rumors
21:20 - Peyton Krebs

Sponsor: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

It's time for our annual mock offseason episode. Anthony plays the role of the other NHL general managers, and Chad assumes the role of Buffalo Sabres general manager.

As we get into the meat of the NHL offseason, I was joined this week by Owen Parker of WGR550 to discuss the Buffalo Sabres summer plans.

3:30 - Goaltending
16:00 - Alex Tuch
22:45 - Biggest offseason need
28:00 - Byram contract
34:15 - Ryan McLeod

Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres even the series with the Montreal Canadiens at 2-2 with a 3-2 victory in Game 4.

Konsta Helenius had a strong debut, Owen Power was good as well, and Zach Benson came through again with the game-winning goal. Now the Sabres come back to Buffalo, all even for Game 5.

Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller & Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres lost big to the Montreal Canadiens by a score of 6-2 and now are facing a must-win Game 4 on Tuesday night.

They got another strong game from Zach Benson and Josh Doan. While Tage Thompson snapped his goal drought, they still need more from him, Alex Tuch, and other depth on the roster.

Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford

The Buffalo Sabres picked up a 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens to take Game 1 of the series. We discuss some observations from the game and key players.

Sponsors: One Pie Pizza | Hiller and Comerford