The Buffalo Sabres will begin their 2026-27 home schedule against the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday, October 3, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. The NHL announced home openers for all 32 teams Wednesday, giving Buffalo an early-season matchup that could feature a familiar face returning to KeyBank Center.
Defenseman Bowen Byram is expected to make his first appearance in Buffalo since being traded to Chicago in June. The Sabres dealt Byram to the Blackhawks in exchange for the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, which they used to select defenseman Daxson Rudolph.
Before returning home, the Sabres will open the regular season on the road against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, October 1.
The remainder of Buffalo’s 2026-27 schedule is scheduled to be released Thursday at 1 p.m., when the NHL unveils the full slate for all 32 teams.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
