The Buffalo Sabres wrapped up their development camp with a full‑scale scrimmage on Thursday, giving fans a first look at the new faces that will shape the organization’s depth.
Building the AHL Core
General manager Jarmo Kekalainen used the camp as a proving ground for a series of moves aimed at strengthening the AHL Rochester Americans, the team’s top farm club.
Among the transactions, the Sabres traded forward Anton Wahlberg to Anaheim and announced the addition of forward Aidan McDonough on a one‑year, $850,000 contract, while also securing veteran Matthew Peca on a two‑year AHL deal.
Cap Space and Roster Turnover
The club re‑signed defenseman Olen Zellweger, leaving roughly $8.6 million in cap space and positioning the organization to absorb upcoming contract obligations, including that of restricted free agent Peyton Krebs, who remains eligible for arbitration.
Prospects such as Konsta Helenius and Noah Ostlund are expected to compete for regular spots in the Buffalo lineup next season, while the team also welcomed new signings that could add depth to the forward group.
Patrick Kane’s Future
Patrick Kane, a future Hall‑of‑Famer, remains unsigned after the first two days of free agency and spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, posting 79 assists over that span.
Speculation has linked him to a return to his hometown Sabres, where he could provide secondary offense and potentially replace Alex Tuch on the power play, though the Toronto Maple Leafs have ruled out a move due to cap constraints.
The Sabres’ management is evaluating the fit of such a signing, weighing the impact on the power play and the broader development of younger talent within the organization.