With the lockout all but inevitable the Buffalo Sabres loaned 22 players to the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. Luke Adam, Brian Flynn, Marcus Foligno, Zemgus Grigensons, Cody Hodgson, Jacob Legace, Jon Parker, Kevin Sundher, Corey Tropp, Phil Varone, Alex Beiga, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Brayden Mcnabb, Mark Pysyk, Connor Knapp, Riley Boychuk, Shawn Szydlowski, Nick Crawford, Matt MacKenzie and Nathan Lieuwen will all start the season with Rochester.

Forward Kevin Porter and defenseman Nick Tarnasky have also been lent to Rochester, but they must clear waivers. In addition 4 players have been returned to their respective junior teams. 2012 first round selection Mikhail Grigorenko was returned to Quebec of the QMJHL, Joel Armia was returned to Assat of the Finnish elite league, SM-Liiga, and Daniel Catenacci was returned to the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. The team also announced the signing of goaltender Andrey Makarov to a 3 year entry level deal. Marakov was immediately returned to the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL.