Ellis expected to start against Wild as Sabres adjust power play
Colten Ellis is preparing for his first start of the season Tuesday while Noah Ostlund moves onto Buffalo’s top power-play unit.
Colten Ellis is expected to make his first start of the season for the Buffalo Sabres against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, Oct. 6. He occupied the starter’s net at Monday’s practice at KeyBank Center, where Tuesday’s game begins at 7 p.m. ET.
Tuesday marks a year since Buffalo claimed Ellis off waivers from the St. Louis Blues. He appeared in 16 regular-season games in 2025-26, finishing 8-4-2 with a .903 save percentage and a 2.90 goals-against average. During this year’s preseason, he posted a .932 save percentage in four relief appearances.
Ellis said his offseason work included improving rebound control and recognising when he has time to slow the play. Alex Lyon remains out with an upper-body injury and has not returned to practice.
Coach Lindy Ruff also changed the power-play groups after Buffalo went 0-for-8 through its first two games. Noah Ostlund moved onto the top unit Monday, with Josh Doan shifting to the second group. Ruff said the additional left-handed shot should offer more opportunities for one-timers.
Jason Zucker, recovering from a sports hernia, and Conor Timmins, out with a lower-body injury, could resume team practice as soon as Tuesday’s morning skate. Both remain on injured reserve. Ruff said Buffalo would gradually increase their practice workload.
