Locked On Sabres - Daily Podcast On The Buffalo Sabres

The Anaheim Ducks are the most vulnerable team in the NHL right now, with just over $9M in salary cap space, and a star forward in Cutter Gauthier turning down contracts worth $13M per season. Are the Ducks going to have to make multiple trades to create room to pay him? Or will they trade Gauthier away? If the latter ends up being possible, the Buffalo Sabres should be VERY AGGRESSIVE sending offers to Pat Verbeek.

Would Daxon Rudolph, Jack Quinn, and a 1st round pick be enough to tempt the Ducks? If possible, Gauthier would provide the Sabres with an upgrade over Alex Tuch, who is 8 years younger. It would make the offseason a total win for the Sabres. If the Ducks take the more likely option of trading other guys on their team to make room, would any be of interest to the Sabres? Chris Kreider and Alex Killorn are decent players, but likely to old and expensive to interest Buffalo.

Odoo

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sabres twitter is besides itself at Zach Benson being ranked 124th among NHL players drafted, many not even in the league yet by one prospects analyst, which is an insane ranking that you have to question a person's motivation after seeing. No Benson is nowhere near that amongst players of his age, but where does he rank on a list of Sabres young guys? Sneaky Joe ranks his top-seven Sabres under-23, including Konsta Helenius, Radim Mrtka, and more. The ceilings for Benson and Helenius are much higher than they've already showed and should be considered the elites of the Sabres young core. Will Daxon Rudolph join them on that tier? Plus, what we're hoping to see from the Sabres alternate uniform in the NHL's Hometown Remix series, and what it likely will be.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colten "Chaos" Ellis was claimed on waivers to be the Buffalo Sabres third goaltender last fall, and did very well playing a very inconsistent schedule. His wild, athletic style was effective, and chaotic at times, but with more work on his composure and technique, the Sabres could have a very solid young goalie on their hands. With just 14 starts under his belt, the time is this season to see Ellis become a more regular piece of the goalie picture, rather than just the guy who plays when one of the top two guys are injured. At 25-years old, coming off strong AHL success, and a good rookie NHL season, there's no reason to rule out Ellis become a regular NHL goaltender. How good could he be? Even if he's not going to be a #1 goalie, there's a good chance he settles in as a strong #2 behind say... a Connor Hellebuyck.

How many games will Ellis play in 2026-27 if UPL and Alex Lyon are in front of him? What if it's Hellebuyck in front of him?

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lindy Ruff utilized a goalie rotation last season that got his team to the playoffs and into Round 2. Despite even regular seasons from Alex Lyon and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, previous seasons and the playoffs show that Lyon is the best goalie on the Sabres roster. Even if he isn't treated like it. Lyon has been an NHL regular now for four years and his numbers blow UPL's out of the water. Lyon's playoffs were solid in totality, but the lasting image many fans have of him is giving up three consecutive goals to the Canadiens in Game 6, a game the Sabres needed to win to keep their season alive. Will Lyon see a depleted workload in 2026-27?

Plus, why Lyon is the perfect partner for Connor Hellebuyck, should the Sabres finish off the mega-trade. Lyon would allow Hellebuyck to play fewer games in the regular season, keeping him fresher for the postseason.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Buffalo Sabres have a pretty clear cut top-five defensemen heading into the 2026-27 season, but who will be the sixth? There will likely be a competition between Zach Metsa and Conor Timmins in training camp and into the regular season. Metsa provides some really solid play at 5-on-5, but offers nothing on special teams. Timmins can be a liability at even-strength, but is a core penalty killer. Which role will the Sabres need more? Was Metsa's incredible run of not allowing a goal last season total luck? Plus, could prospects Radim Mrtka, Daxon Rudolph, or Adam Kleber factor into the Sabres lineup by the end of the season?

Odoo

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Owen Power has always been a polarizing player for Buffalo Sabres fans, ever since he was the 1st overall pick in the NHL Draft. He may have never been more polarizing though then right after the playoffs ended, after great series' against the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens. Power played through a horrible ankle sprain, and played well in Games 6 and 7 of the second round. After that run, is it fair to say Owen Power has finally arrived? Sneaky Joe takes a look at Power's 2025-26 season, and how much room he still has to grow as a shooter and a physical player. Plus, an update on Connor Hellebuyck keeps optimism alive for a big trade between the Sabres and Jets.

Odoo

Indeed
Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcastright now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mattias Samuelsson had one of the most improbable breakouts in Buffalo Sabres history in 2025-26, going from a legitimate buyout candidate that couldn't stay healthy, that also wouldn't hit anybody, to a tremendous top-pair defenseman who was bullying opponents on the ice, and scored more goals than he had in his entire career combined! The Samuelsson story is one of the most incredible we've ever seen. You can now say he is one of the best big-man defensemen in the NHL. The offense showing up for Samuelsson was something he hasn't done since he was 15 years old, and he scored goals in big big moments. Samuelsson's future now looks as bright as you could imagine, but are his injury problems a thing of the past?

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Louis Crevier was not the focal point of the Buffalo Sabres trade with Chicago this offseason, but he has the potential to be the second success story as a throw in to a deal, following in Josh Doan's footsteps from last season. Crevier is a monster defenseman at 6'8'', 228 pounds, who will bury a forward into the boards and in front of the net. He also just happens to have a bomb of a slap shot, while also being one of the fastest skating defenseman in the NHL. Crevier has all the tools you could want as a blueliner. If he puts it all together, we're talking about a top-four defenseman for the Sabres.

Crevier could battle with Olen Zelleweger to be Owen Power's partner, potentially being someone that can do for Power what Mattias Samuelsson does for Rasmus Dahlin. A look at Crevier's role in Chicago shows someone playing some of the toughest matchups in the NHL, always starting in his own end. How different will his role be in Buffalo? Likely very different.

Odoo

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rasmus Dahlin has become a premier, tier-1 defenseman in the NHL, finishing as a Norris Trophy finalist in 2025-26, following career highs. Dahlin's story of last season was incredible, leading the Buffalo Sabres out of their playoff drought after dealing with so much off the ice with his fiancé. Dahlin's season cements him as the best Sabres defenseman of all-time already. Yes, over Phil Housley and Mike Ramsey. Sneaky Joe goes back and watches all of Dahlin's shifts in Game 7 against the Canadiens, a game the Sabres lost, but Dahlin took over and did almost everything he could to win it... until the very end. The last shift of his season was a tough way to end an otherwise amazing campaign. Plus, why Dahlin's contract is going to be a massive bargain very very soon.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jiří Kulich missed all but 12 games last season due to a blood clot, making it easy to forget the potential he has for the Buffalo Sabres. It also would be easy to forget how much he struggled early last season, playing with Tage Thompson and Zach Benson. So far in his career, Kulich has showed an elite shot release, but has struggled as a playmaker. As a center, it'll be tough for him to thrive without improving that. If Kulich can become a better passer and two-way player, he may have a future as a top-six center on the Sabres. However, he may be outranked now by Konsta Helenius, Noah Östlund, and others at center. Kulich on paper has all the skills to be a great goal scoring winger, but it hasn't gone great when he's done it in his first 75 games of his NHL career.

Plus, Jason Zucker has scored 45 goals for the Sabres in his first two seasons with the team, with almost half of those being on the powerplay. If Zucker no longer has a regular PP1 role, will he still warrant being in the lineup with so many good forwards on the Sabres? Zucker could end up being on the fourth line or in the press box if all the young guys thrive early in the season.

FanDuel

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.