Buffalo Sabres fans have spoken, and the verdict is not good for owner Terry Pegula. In a recent survey conducted by The Athletic, Pegula was ranked dead last among all 32 NHL owners. Fans graded him poorly in nearly every category, including willingness to spend, franchise stability, and fan engagement.
This ranking reflects growing frustration with the Sabres’ 14-year playoff drought, which has made Buffalo one of the NHL’s most disappointed and restless fan bases. While Pegula once promised to spare no expense in building a competitive team, many fans now believe the opposite.
Even the recent arena improvements, such as a new scoreboard, have done little to improve fan sentiment. Critics point to outdated seating, expensive concessions, and a general lack of engagement from ownership. Some fans have even called for Pegula to sell the team, believing he is more focused on the Buffalo Bills than the struggling Sabres.
A Disconnect Between Ownership and Fans
One of the biggest concerns among fans is Pegula’s lack of public engagement. He has avoided media questions for quite some time, leaving many to wonder how involved he really is with the team. Fans feel the Sabres are being run with little transparency or accountability, further fueling frustration.
The franchise has also struggled to connect with its own history. Even alumni nights have been mishandled, with legendary players’ names being misspelled. These small details add up, reinforcing the idea that the organization is out of touch with its fans.
Can Winning Change the Narrative?
While Pegula’s lack of public presence has only fueled frustration, the reality is that losing teams breed unhappy fans. The Sabres have cycled through multiple rebuilds, coaches, and general managers, yet the results remain the same—no playoffs and little hope for a turnaround.
Buffalo fans desperately want a winning team, and many believe that only new ownership can bring lasting change. But if the Sabres can finally put together a competitive season, Pegula’s perception might start to shift.
For now, however, fans remain unconvinced, and Pegula’s reputation as the worst owner in the NHL remains firmly in place.
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