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Camp Countdown | Where do the Sabres' new defensemen fit? | Buffalo Sabres

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by National Hockey League
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Buffalo Sabres Gear Up for the 2025‑26 Season: Camp Countdown, Key Defensemen, and the Road Ahead

The Buffalo Sabres are in the thick of pre‑season preparations as the 2025‑26 NHL campaign approaches. In a timely “Camp Countdown” preview released on the NHL’s official Sabres page, the organization shares a comprehensive look at the training camp schedule, roster expectations, and the defensive core that will anchor the team moving forward. The article, which sits at the top of the Sabres’ news feed, is a go‑to source for fans eager to see how the franchise is shaping its lineup and strategy for the coming season.

1. Training Camp Basics

When and Where
The Sabres’ training camp kicks off on July 1st at the Buffalo Sabres Training Facility, with a full slate of practices and workouts scheduled over the next month. According to the article, the camp will wrap up on August 5th, giving the coaching staff a full 35 days to evaluate player performance, develop chemistry, and finalize the roster.

Coaching Focus
Head coach Don Granato and his staff emphasize a “systemic approach” that balances defensive depth with offensive flair. Granato is quoted saying, “We’re looking at how each player can fit into the system we want to play. Defense, in particular, is a big focus right now.” This signals that the Sabres are especially interested in bolstering their blue‑line capabilities—a theme echoed throughout the article.

2. The Defensive Core: Stars and Up‑And‑Comers

The article pays special attention to six key defensemen who will be central to the Sabres’ defensive strategy: Michael Kesselring, Conor Timmins, Bowen Byrom, Owen Power, Rasmus Dahlin, and Mattias Samuelsson. Here’s a snapshot of each:

Michael Kesselring
The article highlights Kesselring’s return to Buffalo as a free‑agent acquisition. It cites his 2019‑20 performance—where he posted 19 points over 71 games—and underscores his reputation as a stay‑behind defenseman who excels at disrupting opposing lines. Kesselring is projected to compete for a depth role behind Dahlin and Samuelsson.

Conor Timmins
Timmins’ journey from undrafted status to a pivotal AHL role is framed as a testament to his work ethic. The piece notes his 12‑goal, 35‑point AHL season last year and his potential to carve out a role in the Sabres’ secondary defensive pairings. Coaches are particularly interested in his skating speed and ability to transition the puck out of the defensive zone.

Bowen Byrom
Byrom’s status as a relatively recent first‑round pick is underscored by his steady development at the NHL level. The article stresses his physical play and willingness to get into the trenches—qualities that fit well with the Sabres’ defensive system. Byrom is expected to continue in a depth role while learning from the veterans.

Owen Power
The up‑and‑coming prospect Power is featured prominently in the camp countdown. The article quotes scouts who praise his offensive instincts and the ability to read the game. Power’s presence on the roster signals a commitment to youth and offensive upside from the defense.

Rasmus Dahlin
As the franchise’s cornerstone defenseman, Dahlin is highlighted as the lynchpin of the Sabres’ defensive strategy. The article details his 2024‑25 season where he posted 12 goals, 34 assists and led the league in plus‑minus (+20). Dahlin’s leadership, skating, and shot‑picking ability are described as a template for the team’s defensive play.

Mattias Samuelsson
The article spotlights Samuelsson’s strong defensive instincts and physical presence. It highlights his 2017 NHL draft pedigree and his contribution to the team during the 2023‑24 season, particularly his role in penalty killing. Samuelsson’s veteran presence will be pivotal as the team builds a balance between youth and experience.

3. Training Camp Schedule Highlights

The article breaks down the training camp into thematic blocks that give fans a detailed look at what to expect:

• July 1–7: Pre‑camp conditioning, skill drills, and initial practice sessions.
• July 8–15: Full‑team scrimmages and defensive drills, with a focus on system alignment and penalty killing.
• July 16–24: Evaluation camps for prospects, including a prospect showcase on July 20th that features Timmins and Power in controlled scrimmage settings.
• July 25–31: Conference‑level practices against the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers (via intra‑league friendly matches).
• August 1–5: Final roster cuts, training camp evaluations, and a post‑camp highlight video release.

The article also includes a link to the official Sabres’ training‑camp schedule on the NHL website, offering fans a deeper dive into each day's agenda.

4. Roster Building and Salary Cap Strategy

While the training camp focuses on player development, the article also touches on the salary cap implications for the Sabres. It notes that Dahlin’s contract will be a major cap consideration for the 2025‑26 season, and the team will have to decide whether to retain his long‑term deal or negotiate a cap‑capable contract. The article cites a recent announcement that the Sabres will be seeking to maintain cap flexibility while ensuring a strong defensive core.

5. Fan Engagement and Media Outreach

The Sabres’ article also encourages fan participation, offering an interactive social media poll where fans can vote for the player they hope will secure a spot on the opening night roster. Additionally, the article promotes an upcoming “Camp Live” series on the NHL app that will stream select practices and behind‑the‑scenes footage.

6. Conclusion: What the 2025‑26 Sabres Look Like

The 2025‑26 Sabres are poised to be a team built on defensive solidity, young talent, and strategic flexibility. With Rasmus Dahlin anchoring the blue line, the likes of Kesselring, Timmins, and Power providing depth and upside, and a coaching staff that is committed to a system‑oriented approach, the Sabres aim to balance continuity with innovation.

The training camp countdown article gives fans a clear window into how the organization plans to shape its roster and system. By focusing on defense, the Sabres are signaling an emphasis on the fundamentals that can lead to playoff contention.

As the camp unfolds, the story of the 2025‑26 Sabres will continue to evolve. The key take‑away: this season, the Sabres will be a team that emphasizes defense-first play, embraces young talent, and remains vigilant about cap strategy—all while staying connected to their fan base through transparency and engaging content.