The Buffalo Sabres put themselves behind the eight-ball the second they traded star forward JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth and got Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan in return. Fast-forward to the preseason, and the Blue and Gold have already been hit hard with injuries. So much so that playing the kids who would otherwise go to the AHL and juniors might be the best option this season, which should see them bottom out and end up winning the best odds for the 2026 draft lottery.
How bad is it? Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Kesselring both left Wednesday's game vs.