BUFFALO, N.Y. - Defencemen Brayden McNabb and Chad Ruhwedel were among six Buffalo Sabres assigned to the minors.

Also demoted to AHL Rochester on Monday were forwards Mike Zigomanis and Matt Ellis, defenceman Drew Bagnall and goalie Matt Hackett. Bagnall and Ellis must first clear waivers.

The moves came a little over a week before Buffalo opens the season at Detroit Oct. 2.

McNabb and Ruhwedel were both regarded as contenders to make the Sabres roster.

With two preseason games left, the Sabres (3-1-1) are still carrying nine defencemen. 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.