Ex-Penguins Defender Signs Deal With Sabres Right Before Season

With the 2026-27 regular-season almost here, former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk has found his next team.

Grzelcyk has signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Sabres for the 2026-27 campaign. 

The Sabres play their regular-season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 1, so this is undoubtedly a last-minute deal for Grzelcyk. Now, the former Penguins defenseman will be looking to have a strong season with Buffalo. 

Grzelcyk landing this contract from the Sabres comes as they are dealing with injury trouble. The Sabres currently have two defensemen injured ahead of the season, as Olen Zellweger and Mattias Samuelsson are both sidelined. Due to this, the Sabres needed more blueline help, so it makes complete sense that they have added Grzelcyk.

Grzelcyk will now be aiming to have a bounce-back season after signing with the Sabres. The 32-year-old memorably had a strong season during his lone campaign with the Penguins in 2024-25, as he scored a goal and set career highs with 39 assists and 40 points in 82 games. However, he had just 12 assists in 69 games last season with the Blackhawks. 

It will now be interesting to see what the former Penguin can do after signing with the Sabres from here.