Buffalo Sabres
Last season: 36-39-7, extended NHL-record playoff drought to a 14th season.
COACH: Lindy Ruff (900-718-160 and 78 ties over 17 seasons with 3 teams).
SEASON OPENER: Oct. 9 vs. New York Rangers.
DEPARTURES: RW JJ Peterka, D Connor Clifton, G James Reimer, D Jacob Bernard-Docker, F Sam Lafferty.
ADDITIONS: RW Shane Doan, D Michael Kesselring, D Mason Geertsen, F Justin Danforth, G Alex Lyon, G Alexandar Georgiev.
GOALIES: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonnen (71-65-15, 3.06 GAA, 0.898 save percentage) and Alex Lyon (51-38-11, 2.99 GAA, 0.902 save percentage).
BETMGM STANLEY CUP ODDS: 100-1.
What to expect
Not much from a team that has languished at the bottom of NHL standings since the end of Ruff’s first tenure as coach. He’s back for a second stint and entering his second season s