The Buffalo Sabres released an update on their injured players today, and while Zach Bogosian and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are still listed as out indefinitely as expected, Brandon Montour now has a timeline. The Sabres defenseman will be out for another three to four weeks after missing most of the preseason with a hand injury. That would rule Montour out for the majority of October and at least the first ten games of the regular season.
The 25-year old Montour came to Buffalo in a trade last season and impressed down the stretch, recording ten points in 20 games. That offensive upside that made Montour a top option for the Anaheim Ducks is exactly what the Sabres are hoping to unleash, especially as a natural fit with young phenom Rasmus Dahlin. This injury puts a hold on any potential Montour might have though as not only will he need to work hard to get back but in a month’s time he may find himself chasing the speed of the game after being off for so long.
Buffalo is hoping to silence their critics and compete in the Atlantic Division this season after re-signing Jeff Skinner to a huge deal and bringing in plenty of defensive depth, but an injury to Montour out of the gate won’t help. The team starts play tomorrow night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.