Sabres fans' optimism to be measured in new survey after playoff breakthrough
The Buffalo Sabres have sold out season tickets for 2026-27 after ending a 14-year playoff drought and nearly reaching the Eastern Conference final. The team underwent significant roster changes this summer, including trading Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch. The Athletic is surveying fans to gauge their feelings on these moves and the upcoming season.
The survey marks a dramatic reversal in fan sentiment from the last time The Athletic polled subscribers. Previously, the franchise faced empty seats and two consecutive seasons of regression as the playoff drought stretched toward 14 years. Now, season tickets are sold out with a waitlist, reflecting renewed confidence after the team's deep playoff run.
This summer brought notable roster turnover. The departures of Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch were balanced by a top-five draft pick entering the prospect pool and several new additions. The Athletic's survey aims to capture subscriber reactions to these moves as training camp approaches, with results expected next week.
The survey's results could offer a barometer for how sports franchises rebuild trust after prolonged failure. Fans who endured a 14-year drought now face roster changes that may test their optimism. The sold-out season tickets suggest economic ripple effects for Buffalo, from local businesses to the arena's surrounding community. How fans respond may also signal whether the franchise's momentum is sustainable or fragile, potentially influencing how other struggling teams approach similar transitions.