Timmins lands on Injured Reserve; Luukkonen listed on initial roster

Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR) - Teams around the NHL had to have their final roster for the start of the 2026-27 regular season submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, and there was a bit of a surprise for the Buffalo Sabres, who are out-of-town on a team retreat.

Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins played 16:37 in Saturday's final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, he is starting the season on Injured Reserve, along with fellow defenseman Mattias Samuelsson. Both have lower-body injuries.

Before leaving on the team retreat over the weekend, head coach Lindy Ruff said defenseman Olen Zellweger was skating and progressing well through concussion protocol. He will reach the seven-day point on Tuesday, and is not starting the year on IR.

Veteran winger Jason Zucker had sports hernia surgery, so he is among the others on IR to start the season. Also on IR on the initial roster are forward Conor Sheary, defenseman Jack Rathbone and young goalie Topias Leinonen.

When healthy, the last three will likely go to the Rochester Americans.

Both Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon left their final preseason games played with injuries, but neither were placed on IR, which would seem like good news for the team.

In the preseason, Luukkonen played 84 minutes and had a 1.43 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage. Lyon dressed for a total of 58 minutes and supported a 4.14 goals-against average and an .852 save percentage.

Meanwhile, Colten Ellis played 97 minutes and had a 1.86 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.

Leading the way on the scoresheet this preseason were Owen Power and Noah Östlund. In two games, Power had four assists, while in three games, Östlund chipped in with two goals and two assists.

Open night for the Sabres is Thursday in Columbus against the Blue Jackets. Buffalo's home opener this season comes on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks.