BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Defensemen Brayden McNabb and Chad Ruhwedel were among six Buffalo Sabres assigned to the minors.
Also demoted to Rochester of the AHL on Monday were forwards Mike Zigomanis and Matt Ellis, defenseman Drew Bagnall and goalie Matt Hackett. Bagnall and Ellis must first clear waivers.
Buffalo opens the season Oct. 2 against the Detroit Red Wings.
McNabb and Ruhwedel were both regarded as contenders to make the Sabres' roster.
With two preseason games left, the Sabres (3-1-1) are carrying nine defensemen. It's a group that includes rookie first-round draft picks Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov.
Buffalo is also carrying 18 forwards and two goalies, Ryan Miller and Jhonas Enroth.
Teams have until Sept. 30 to set their 23-player rosters.