Buffalo Sabres Claim Goalie Colten Ellis Amid Key Injuries

The Buffalo Sabres have finalized their 23-man roster ahead of the 2025-26 NHL regular season, but several key players, including goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and defensemen Michael Kesselring and Owen Power, have been placed on injured reserve, impacting the team's early lineup. Luukkonen is expected to miss some time due to a lower-body injury, prompting the Sabres to claim goaltender Colten Ellis off waivers from the St. Louis Blues to bolster their goalie depth. Ellis, who impressed last season in the AHL with a .922 save percentage, joins a crowded Sabres crease and could see NHL action if injuries persist or performance issues arise among other goaltenders. Despite Luukkonen's injury, Ellis is likely to start the season in the minors but provides valuable insurance for the Sabres. Meanwhile, forwards Zach Benson and Mattias Samuelsson are progressing well in practice and are expected to be available for opening night. The Sabres' goaltending depth is now considered among the deepest in the league, with Ellis adding a promising option to the mix amid ongoing injury concerns.