Sabres Trim Training Camp Roster, Send Prospects Back to Junior Hockey
The Buffalo Sabres have begun to trim their training camp roster, assigning forwards Jaxon Brunet, defenseman David Bedkowski, and goaltender Samuel Meloche back to their respective junior teams. These moves signal the start of final roster decisions as the Sabres prepare for the 2025-26 NHL season.
Prospects Return to Junior Leagues
Jaxon Brunet, a 19-year-old forward drafted 123rd overall in the 2024 NHL draft, will return to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and play for the Victoriaville Tigres. He previously played three seasons with the Drummondville Voltigeurs. Last season,Brunet recorded eight goals and 32 points in 60 games,posting a +10 rating. The Sabres are likely to take a patient approach to his advancement,as he has already committed to Merrimack College for the 2026-27 NCAA season.
David Bedkowski, an 18-year-old defenseman, will return to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Owen Sound Attack.The Sabres selected Bedkowski 71st overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He brings a physical presence to the game, evidenced by his three goals, seven points, and 73 penalty minutes in 30 games last season.
Samuel Meloche, an 18-year-old goaltender, will return to the QMJHL to play for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.Drafted 116th overall by Buffalo in the 2025 NHL Draft, Meloche had a strong 2024-25 season, posting a 30-14-6 record with a.900 save percentage and 2.90 goals-against average in 51 games, including five shutouts. He is committed to Northeastern University for the 2026-27 NCAA season.
Sabres Development Ideology
These assignments reflect the sabres’ commitment to developing their prospects through continued playing time and experience. Sending these players back to junior hockey and college allows them to hone their skills in competitive environments while maintaining control over their development timelines. The Sabres have increasingly focused on a long-term approach to building their roster, prioritizing players with high potential who are willing to develop over time.
Key Takeaways:
* The Sabres have trimmed their training camp roster,sending three prospects back to junior hockey.
* Jaxon brunet (forward) returns to the QMJHL’s Victoriaville Tigres and is committed to Merrimack College.
* David Bedkowski (defenseman) returns to the OHL’s Owen Sound attack.
* Samuel Meloche (goaltender) returns to the QMJHL’s Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and is committed to Northeastern University.
* These moves demonstrate the Sabres’ commitment to patient prospect development.