Zellweger was drafted 34th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and had an impressive 2025-26 season with the Ducks, scoring 22 points (7G / 15A) and averaging 16:59 time-on-ice in 76 games. With Bowen Byram's recent departure from Buffalo, the 22-year-old Zellweger looks poised to see an elevated role in 2026-27 with his new team.
Benson was drafted 13th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and made his presence felt with a breakout 2025-26 season, scoring 43 points (13G / 30A) in 65 games. The 21-year-old forward continued to gain attention in the postseason, where he scored nine points (5G / 4A) in 13 games. He should continue to see his role elevate in the upcoming season with the Sabres, especially with the recent departure of top-six forward Alex Tuch.
Crevier was a seventh-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, who is coming off his first full-time season at the NHL level. The 25-year-old defenseman scored 25 points (7G / 18A) and averaged 17:08 time-on-ice in 78 games last season.
Richard was a sixth-round pick, 170th overall, of the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year-old American forward recently finished his third season with the University of Connecticut, scoring 27 points (10G / 17A) in 38 games.
Kulich suffered a blood clot in early November and was sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. That said, the Sabres received encouraging news that Kulich is trending in the right direction and is expected to return. The 22-year-old Czech forward, the 28th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has 29 points (18G / 11A) in 75 career games.
After being pulled in favour of Alex Lyon in Game 5, UPL was thrust back into action in Game 6 when the Sabres suffered an early 3-1 deficit. Luukkonen performed spectacularly with Buffalo's season on the line, stopping all 18 shots he faced in relief as the Sabres fought back and ultimately forced Game 7 with an 8-3 victory. The odds on the money line for Game 7 are nearly dead even, but the Sabres do enter action as the slight favourites at -115.
Lyon allowed one goal on three shots after replacing Ukko-Pekke Lukkonen in the crease in Game 5. Lyon was excellent vs. the Bruins in Round 1, but hasn't found the same success vs. Montreal. Through four games, he is 1-2-0 with a 3.79 GAA and .872 SV%. Lyon and the Sabres enter the must-win game as +150 road underdogs.
Lyon allowed one goal on three shots after replacing Ukko-Pekke Lukkonen in the crease in Game 5. Lyon was excellent vs. the Bruins in Round 1, but hasn't found the same success vs. Montreal. Through four games, he is 1-2-0 with a 3.79 GAA and .872 SV%. Lyon and the Sabres enter the must-win game as +150 road underdogs.
Power was nicked up in Game 5 and head coach Lindy Ruff said that he was receiving treatment on Friday for the undisclosed injury. On Saturday he said that Power is a "possibility" to play in the must-win Game 6 in Montreal. Power has picked up five assists in 11 playoff games so far.
Luukkonen made his return to the crease in Game Four against the Montreal Canadiens after serving as Buffalo's backup for three weeks, and didn't miss a beat, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 3-2 win to help his team even the series at 2-2. Sabres' Head Coach Lindy Ruff has already set the trend of rolling with the hot goalie this postseason, and will continue that on Thursday, with Luukkonen set to tend the twine in Game Five. The Sabres enter the action as -117 home favourites.
Luukkonen made his return to the crease in Game Four against the Montreal Canadiens after serving as Buffalo's backup for three weeks, and didn't miss a beat, saving 29 of 31 shots (.935 SV%) in a 3-2 win to help his team even the series at 2-2. Sabres' Head Coach Lindy Ruff has already set the trend of rolling with the hot goalie this postseason, and will continue that on Thursday, with Luukkonen set to tend the twine in Game Five. The Sabres enter the action as -117 home favourites.
With the Sabres entering a pivotal Game Four, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens, they will make some roster adjustments, with Konsta Helenius drawing in for Sam Carrick. The 34-year-old Carrick made his 2025-26 postseason debut in Buffalo's previous game, returning from a six-week absence due to a left-arm injury.
With the Sabres entering a pivotal Game Four, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens, they will make some roster adjustments, with Konsta Helenius drawing in for Sam Carrick. The 20-year-old Helenius, the 14th-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, made his NHL debut this season, scoring four points (1G / 3A) in nine games.
Luukkonen's most recent appearance was in Game Two against the Boston Bruins, when he allowed a weak goal from center ice and was eventually relieved by Alex Lyon, who went on to start the subsequent seven games for the Sabres. That said, with the Sabres in dire straits, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens in a pivotal Game Four, they will return to Luukkonen between the pipes. The Sabres hope to tie the series at 2-2, entering Game Four as +121 road underdogs.
Luukkonen's most recent appearance was in Game Two against the Boston Bruins, when he allowed a weak goal from center ice and was eventually relieved by Alex Lyon, who went on to start the subsequent seven games for the Sabres. That said, with the Sabres in dire straits, down 2-1 to the Montreal Canadiens in a pivotal Game Four, they will likely return to Luukkonen between the pipes. The Sabres hope to tie the series at 2-2, entering Game Four as +121 road underdogs.
