Sabres' Season Begins in Columbus, Home Opener Against Blackhawks on Oct. 3

Buffalo will open their 2026-27 campaign on October 1st in Columbus before returning home three days later to host the Chicago Blackhawks for their home opener. The Sabres' early schedule forces them to hit the ground running on the road, a tough way to start but one that's become increasingly common in the modern NHL. How Buffalo responds in those first few games will tell us whether this team has made real progress or if they're still searching for answers in a crowded Eastern Conference.