The Buffalo Sabres are coming off a season in which they won the Atlantic Division, finished second in the Eastern Conference, and came just one goal shy of reaching the Eastern Conference Final. During the offseason, the team made a major move by trading defenseman Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks, who immediately signed him to a six‑year, $12.5 million extension.
A few days later, the Sabres acquired his replacement from the Anaheim Ducks in Olen Zellweger, and around the same time, they traded Alex Tuch’s rights to the Washington Capitals.
Both Byram and Tuch were significant pieces of Buffalo’s success last season, but now it’s time to turn the page and begin a new chapter. As the Sabres enter the upcoming season, the question becomes: which players will emerge as the X‑factors?
Jack Quinn
With the departure of Tuch, the Sabres need someone to replace his goal scoring, and Jack Quinn is the player who has to take on that responsibility. He owns a lethal shot, and he showcased it last season by recording a career‑high 20 goals while adding 31 assists.
Buffalo Sabres right wing Jack Quinn reacts after scoring his third goal of the game against the San Jose Sharks (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)
Quinn is set to receive a bigger opportunity this year. He’ll see more ice time on the first power‑play unit and will be trusted in key situations, whether the Sabres are protecting a one‑goal lead, chasing a goal late, or tied in a high‑pressure moment.
We also saw in the playoffs that he can elevate his game. Quinn recorded seven points in 13 postseason games, and his line with McLeod and Zucker was Buffalo’s most consistent trio throughout the run. If he maintains that chemistry and continues to build on his offensive confidence, a 30‑goal season is well within reach, and frankly, the Sabres might need him to hit that mark.
Zach Benson
Zach Benson signed a seven‑year contract extension with the Sabres this offseason, and he’s already being viewed as the primary replacement for Tuch. It’s an easy comparison to make: Benson plays a smaller, but stylistically similar game. He’s relentless on the forecheck, creates chaos in the crease and after whistles, and pairs that edge with high‑end playmaking and strong defensive instincts.
Last season, Benson posted career highs across the board with 13 goals, 30 assists, and 43 points. He elevated his game even further in the playoffs, recording nine points (five goals, four assists) in 13 games and becoming one of Buffalo’s most impactful forwards.
He’s an X‑factor this season because someone needs to step up in Tuch’s absence, someone who can contribute nightly on the first line, drive play, battle in front of the net, defend responsibly, and help stabilize the power play. Benson fits that mold perfectly. Playing alongside Josh Norris and Tage Thompson, it’s reasonable to expect a 60‑ to 70‑point season as he continues to grow into a top‑line role.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen
Last but not least is goaltender Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen, who delivered one of his strongest seasons in 2025‑26. He posted a 2.52 goals‑against average and a .907 save percentage (SV%). The reason I have him labeled as an X‑factor is simple: last season, he was a major part of the team’s success. Whenever the Sabres needed a big save, it felt like he came through.
This year, with the Eastern Conference only getting stronger, the Toronto Maple Leafs adding Gavin McKenna, the Florida Panthers adding Brady Tkachuk, and the Washington Capitals adding Jordan Kyrou along with former Sabre Alex Tuch. Buffalo needs Luukkonen to elevate his game again.
Now, I’m not expecting Luukkonen to be a Vezina candidate (although that’d be great). What I do expect is a save percentage somewhere in the .900 to .905 range. If he hits that mark, I like the Sabres’ chances of finishing as a top‑three team in the Atlantic Division once again.
The Sabres enter a new season with new faces and new responsibilities, and their success will hinge on the players ready to rise. Benson, Quinn, and Luukkonen are the ones who can keep Buffalo in the Atlantic race and push them toward another deep playoff run. If each delivers in their expanded role, the Sabres have every reason to believe they can stay near the top of the division and take the next step forward.
Free Newsletter
Get Buffalo Sabres coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.