The Buffalo Sabres enter the season with a fresh roster and a renewed focus on playoff success under new head coach Todd Ruff. After a disappointing early exit last year, the team has added key free agents and drafted prospects to bolster its lineup. Ruff’s offensive-minded system aims to maximize the talent while addressing defensive vulnerabilities that held them back. With higher expectations and a deeper playoff push in mind, the Sabres will need consistency and clutch performances to take the next step.

Sabres season preview: Ruff, new faces look to go further in playoffs  NHL.com