2021–22 Buffalo Sabres season
The 2021–22 Buffalo Sabres season was the 52nd season for the National Hockey League franchise that was established on May 22, 1970. The Sabres failed to snap their ten-year playoff drought, having last qualified for the playoffs in the 2010–11 season. The league returned to its normal October-to-April scheduling, a full 82-game regular season which began on October 12, 2021, but this was contingent on the COVID-19 pandemic and the Government of Canada reducing its COVID-19 cross-border travel restrictions. As a result, the Sabres rejoined the Atlantic Division after a one -season stint in the East Division due to realignment under the league's return to play protocols. On April 6, 2022, after the Washington Capitals defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Sabres were eliminated from playoff contention for the 11th straight season, setting an NHL record. Schedule and results. Regular season. The regular season schedule was published on July 22, 2021. Player statistics. Goaltenders. Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Sabres. Stats reflect time with the Sabres only. Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Sabres only. Bold/italics denotes franchise record . Transactions. The Sabres have been involved in the following transactions during the 2021–22 season. Draft picks. Below are the Buffalo Sabres selections at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, which was held on July 23 and 24, 2021, virtually via video conference call from the NHL Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notes: