What happened: Buffalo sent defenseman Dennis Gilbert down Saturday as camp cuts continued ahead of the 2026-27 season. The move shifts Gilbert off the NHL roster for now and into the organization's minor-league group.

Why it matters: That gives Buffalo another veteran option below the NHL level while the club settles its final defense spots for opening night. Preseason assignments like this usually narrow the race for depth jobs and clarify which blue liners remain in the late-camp mix.

What to watch: Watch for Buffalo's next roster moves as the preseason winds down. Gilbert's status could change again if the defense depth chart shifts before the opener.