Keep track of key offseason dates, player signings — from the 2025-26 team and how the 2026-27 squad is shaping up — in the official Amerks Player Tracker.

2025-26 AMERKS ROSTER

Last updated June 8, 2026

^= Finished the regular season with the Sabres (NHL).

*= Finished the regular season in the ECHL.

**= Did not finish the regular season with the organization.

PLAYERS CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT

The following players are under contract with the Rochester Americans (AHL) or Buffalo Sabres (NHL) for the 2026-27 season:

*Please note that this list is not the actual or implied Amerks roster for next season — this list includes players on entry-level or two-way contracts with the Buffalo Sabres.

CONTRACT + PLAYER TERMINOLOGY

All new players, under the age of 25, are required to sign an entry-level contract. Entry-level contracts are three years if the player is age 18-21, two years if age 22-24 and one year if age 24.

If a player signs an AHL contract, then he is not eligible to play in the NHL.

If a player is currently on a two-way contract, then his pay is dependent on if he is assigned to the NHL or the AHL. All entry-level contracts are two-way contracts.

If a player is currently on a one-way contract, then he is paid the same amount of money regardless of whether he plays in the NHL or AHL.

Unrestricted free agent (UFA) or restricted free agent (RFA).

Essentially, the type of free agent a player is determines both their rights and their team's rights when it comes to signing their next contract. There are several factors that go into determining whether a player is considered a UFA (unrestricted free agent) or an RFA (restricted free agent).

RFAs vs UFAs

There are some terms in the table above that may not be common to some fans. Let's start with qualifying offers.

When a player is set to become an RFA, his team can offer him a qualifying offer to retain the rights to that player. All qualifying offers are for one year, with the minimum salary dependent on that player's salary from the previous year (see below, via Puckpedia).

A qualifying offer cannot be accepted prior to July 1. The player has until July 15 to accept, after which the offer will expire unless extended in writing by the team. Should an RFA not be offered a qualifying offer, he will become a UFA.

Offer sheets. If a team is interested in signing a player who is an RFA for another team, they can offer him an offer sheet. An offer sheet is the only way an RFA can be signed by a team other than his own. Should an RFA accept the offer sheet tendered to him, his team has seven days to match it. if not, the player goes to the new team and his original team may receive draft picks as compensation. The picks are sourced from the team making the offer sheet. Whether or not a team receives compensation is dependent on the AAV of the offer sheet.

When it comes to UFAs, there are a few different types — dependent on a player's age, nationality, or games played.

Types of UFAs

KEY OFFSEASON DATES