Sabres vs. Rangers | 5 things to know ahead of the season opener

Heading into the 2023-24 season, general manager Kevyn Adams wanted to prioritize signing defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power to long-term contract extensions as key pieces of the Sabres’ young core.

That plan came to fruition ahead of the team’s home opener against the New York Rangers on Thursday as Adams secured Dahlin with an eight-year contract extension Monday and signed Power to a seven-year extension on Wednesday.

Both defensemen have now joined Tage Thompson, Dylan Cozens, and Mattias Samuelsson as core players who have signed long-term contracts since the start of last season. The lengthy contracts serve as an indicator of the players’ commitment to the organization and belief in what’s happening in Buffalo.

"All I can really speak to is the commitment these young guys are making to be here and be here a long time and believe in what’s happening and believe something special is happening,” Adams said.

Following the team's morning skate, Power reflected on why he saw himself in Buffalo long-term. 

"I think when I first got here I fell in love with the city. It was awesome," Power said. "And then I think you look at the group we have from management down and kind of the core of that we’ve been building, I think it was a pretty easy decision to want to be here long-term."

A limited number of tickets are still available for tonight's game, click here to secure your seat. 

Faceoff is slated for 7 p.m. on MSG/MSG+ and WGR 550. Tune in on MSG at 6:30 p.m. for the pregame show. 

Here are five things to know ahead of the season opener.

1. Projected lines

Here's how the group lined up for morning skate:

2. Benson's debut

Forward Zach Benson is set to make his NHL debut against the Rangers. Benson (18 years, 153 days) will become the second-youngest Sabre to appear in a regular-season game behind only Pierre Turgeon (18 years, 41 days), according to Sabres PR.

As the youngest team in the NHL, coach Don Granato believes the Sabres are in a better position this season after the experience the young group gained from last year, after coming just one point short of a playoff berth.

“I think we have the ability to bring a young player in like Benson because he’s surrounded with more experience than our younger guys were a year ago,” Granato said. “I think we’re in a better position to handle a younger guy now than maybe we were one season ago.”

3. In the crease

Devon Levi is expected to start in goal after appearing in the starter’s crease during the team’s morning skate.

According to Sabres PR, the 21-year-old would become the youngest Sabres goaltender to start in a season-opening game since Mika Noronen (21 years, 110 days) did so on Oct. 5, 2000.

Last season, Levi posted a 5-2-0 record in seven starts for the Sabres.

4. Establishing an identity

Sabres captain Kyle Okposo shared that there is a feeling of composure in the locker room heading into the first game of the regular season.

"I don't think we're looking at this as the end-all be-all game," Okposo said. "We've got to come out and show everybody what we can do. It's more business as usual than it's been in the past, and I think that's a good thing. ... We want to come out obvioulsy and have a good start and want to establish an identity early."

5. Know before you go

Fans attending the game are encouraged to get there early for the special unveiling of RJ Way in memory of Sabres Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Rick Jeanneret.

Immediately following the reveal, the players will walk the Blue and Gold Carpet into KeyBank Center.

For more information on the night, including bag policies, mobile ticketing info, and the schedule of events, click here.