A year after joining Sabres, Ellis prepares for sophomore season debut

Exactly one year removed from joining the organization, Sabres goalie Colten Ellis is getting ready to start his second NHL season.

Ellis manned the starter’s net for Monday’s practice at KeyBank Center and is expected to start Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Wild.

“It’s exciting. It’s what you work for all summer, so finally get to showcase what you worked on,” said Ellis, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Monday. “Super excited to play for everybody in here, and really looking forward to it.”

On Oct. 6, 2025, Buffalo claimed the former St. Louis Blues third rounder to cover for the injured Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. While Alex Lyon handled the bulk of the early workload, the rookie Ellis had a busy November and finished the year with 16 regular-season appearances. He went 8-4-2 with a .903 save percentage, 2.90 goals-against average and 1.9 goals saved above expected, per MoneyPuck.

“He’s always been ready,” coach Lindy Ruff said at the end of this year’s preseason, which saw Ellis post a .932 save percentage across four relief appearances. “Anytime we put him in, he’s always been ready. And he won us hockey games. He played well for us last year.”

Now, on Oct. 6, 2026, Ellis will likely take on a Minnesota team he beat in a shootout last November.

“Looking back a year ago today, it’s pretty crazy,” Ellis reflected. “All that’s happened in the past year, super grateful for the opportunity. Not that I was expecting it or anything, but to be able to get picked up here and play the whole season here was a dream come true.”

That rookie year included some great games, some letdowns and some long layoffs between action, including a two-month gap between starts at one point – experiences that informed Ellis’ offseason training. Rebounds were an issue at times, and he’s hoping for a bit less mayhem around his net in Year 2.

“It’s a big adjustment, but learning when I have a little more time than I think and slowing down the play a little bit, I think that’s when I'm at my best,” he said. “… Just trying to play with confidence and control.”

Lyon (upper body) still hasn’t returned to practice, so Ellis should get multiple early-season opportunities to put that approach to the test.

Östlund joins PP1

Ruff has preached the value of keeping power-play units consistent, but he’s making a small tweak after the team’s 0-for-8 start, promoting Noah Östlund to the top unit. Josh Doan dropped down to the second group, as seen during Monday’s practice.

Adding another left shot to the first unit should create more chances for one-time shots, Ruff explained, and Östlund “moves the puck as well as anybody.” He certainly looked like a power-play weapon for stretches of his rookie season.

The Sabres have created some good power-play looks, despite the scoreless two-game start, so maybe Östlund’s playmaking ability will help them break through.

“I think you can feel them tighten up when you’re under the gun and we give up a couple doozy chances,” Ruff said. “… As soon as you start scoring, everybody will calm down.”

Injury updates

Forward Jason Zucker (sports hernia) and defenseman Conor Timmins (lower body) could resume practicing with the team as soon as Tuesday’s morning skate. The Sabres plan to ease them back into things, and they’ll likely practice on a non-everyday basis while mixing in rehab skates, too. Both guys are on injured reserve but eligible to return whenever they’re ready.

“Just sort of introduce them into more vigorous practices,” Ruff said.

Barring additional injuries, Zucker’s return will give the Sabres more capable forwards than they can fit into the lineup, and Zach Metsa has filled in well for Timmins on the third pair through two games. So, there’s no urgency to rush either guy back from their injuries too quickly.

Practice sound

Up next

The Sabres and Wild face off Tuesday at 7 p.m. MSG’s pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are still available.