Louis Crevier inks four-year, $16M contract extension with Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres moved to lock in a key piece of their blue line on Thursday, signing defenceman Louis Crevier to a four-year contract extension worth $16 million. The announcement came in Columbus as the team prepared for its season opener against the Blue Jackets later in the night.

Crevier’s new deal will begin next NHL season and carry a $4-million cap hit in each year through 2030-31. By securing the 25-year-old now, Buffalo avoids the possibility of him reaching restricted free agency next summer and gains cost certainty on its defence for the medium term.

Crevier rewarded after career-best season in Chicago

Crevier joined the Sabres in June as part of the return from the Chicago Blackhawks in the trade involving Bowen Byram. The six-foot-eight right shot is coming off a breakout year in Chicago, where he posted career highs of seven goals, 18 assists and 25 points over 78 games.

The long-term commitment signals Buffalo’s belief in Crevier’s trajectory after that performance. His combination of size and improving offence gives the Sabres another building block on the back end as they look to solidify their defence group for the coming seasons.

Sabres tweak blue line ahead of Columbus opener

Along with finalizing Crevier’s extension, the Sabres made additional roster moves before dropping the puck on their new campaign. The club recalled Dennis Gilbert, adding depth on the back end as they set their lineup for opening night.

Buffalo also placed Olen Zellweger on injured reserve. He is currently in concussion protocol, though the team has not ruled him out for Saturday’s home opener. That timeline leaves some room for optimism that his absence could be relatively short if his recovery progresses.

With Crevier under contract long term and the roster adjusted to cover early-season injuries, the Sabres enter 2026-27 with a clearer picture of their defensive structure and the players they intend to lean on both now and in the years ahead.