Sabres Enter 2026-27 With Rochester and No ECHL Affiliate
The Amerks remain Buffalo's AHL partner, while former affiliate Jacksonville now works with Minnesota and Iowa.
The Buffalo Sabres enter the 2026-27 season with the Rochester Americans as their primary minor-league affiliate and no dedicated ECHL partner.
Rochester begins its 71st AHL season and its 45th as Buffalo's primary affiliate. The Amerks play in the North Division of the Eastern Conference and open Oct. 2 against the Toronto Marlies at Blue Cross Arena.
Buffalo's previous ECHL partnership with the Jacksonville Icemen ended after the 2025-26 season. Jacksonville has since entered a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild.
Without a formal ECHL affiliate, Buffalo can place prospects with ECHL clubs on an individual basis when players need additional professional game time.
