The Buffalo Sabres open their season at Nationwide Arena against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, October 1. Both teams made key offseason moves, setting up an intriguing Eastern Conference opener.
The Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets kick off the 2026-27 NHL season on Thursday, October 1 at Nationwide Arena. Both teams enter with retooled rosters and playoff aspirations, making this opener a critical early measuring stick. The Sabres topped the Atlantic Division last season, while the Blue Jackets are looking to climb the Metropolitan standings. With both sides having made significant offseason additions, this game could set the tone for their respective campaigns.
Buffalo Sabres: Building on Division Crown
The Sabres enter the season as the team to beat in the Atlantic after finishing first in the division. Their offseason was highlighted by the hiring of veteran executive John Davidson as senior adviser, bringing 18 seasons of president-level experience from the Blues, Blue Jackets, and Rangers. They also locked in forward Peyton Krebs to a new deal, solidifying their young core. Former rival Milan Lucic has joined the organization as a pro scout, adding an interesting twist to the front office.
With no preseason games yet played, the Sabres will look to build chemistry early. The pressure is on to validate their regular-season success with a deep playoff run. Key players like Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, and Devon Levi will be expected to lead, while new additions and young prospects compete for roles. The opener against Columbus offers a chance to see how this squad meshes under the spotlight.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Stability and Ambition
The Blue Jackets enter the season with a sense of stability after a busy offseason. Star defenseman Zach Werenski has publicly reiterated his desire to stay in Columbus long term, even with two years left on his deal, signaling his commitment to the team’s contention window. The club avoided arbitration with forward Cole Sillinger by signing him to a three-year, $13.875 million contract, making him a core piece. Goaltender Jet Greaves was also rewarded with a three-year, $15 million extension, a clear vote of confidence in the crease.
Columbus finished fifth in the Metropolitan Division last season and will aim to improve. The Blue Jackets are also one of four teams whose games will be produced and distributed by the NHL this season, a new era for the franchise. With a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, they’ll look to make a statement in their home opener against a division rival.
Head-to-Head: Key Matchups to Watch
This opener pits two teams with contrasting trajectories: Buffalo looking to build on a division title, Columbus seeking to climb the standings. The Sabres’ offensive firepower will test the Blue Jackets’ goaltending, while Columbus’s defensive stability, anchored by Werenski, will challenge Buffalo’s attack. Special teams could be a deciding factor, as both teams have power-play units that can change a game.
- Zach Werenski vs. Buffalo’s top line: The Blue Jackets’ defenseman will be key in neutralizing the Sabres’ scoring threats.
- Jet Greaves vs. Sabres’ shooters: The goaltender faces a tough test in his first start of the season.
- Peyton Krebs’s role: Fresh off his extension, Krebs will look to make an impact in the opener.
- John Davidson’s influence: The new adviser’s presence could provide an intangible boost to Buffalo’s preparation.
Prediction
This is a tight matchup on paper, but the Sabres’ offensive depth and recent division-winning pedigree give them a slight edge. Expect a competitive game that could go either way, but Buffalo’s experience in high-pressure situations should see them through. The Blue Jackets will keep it close, but the Sabres’ firepower will be the difference.
Prediction: Buffalo Sabres win 4-2.
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