The Buffalo Sabres updated a few injuries today, with some good and bad news coming along. Kyle Okposo will be back in the lineup tonight, and Rasmus Asplund is only out day-to-day. Unfortunately, Jacob Bryson is on the shelf on a week-to-week basis after leaving Wednesday’s game with a lower-body injury.
Some Sabres fans may argue it’s no big loss, given how Bryson has played of late – his usage has been steadily declining – but losing defensive depth is never a positive. The 25-year-old was a solid piece for Buffalo last season and despite recent challenges, is still an important player to keep in the mix. The Sabres will take on the New Jersey Devils tonight, a tough task (especially after the chaos that surrounded New Jersey’s last game).
- Sam Lafferty will be out for a few games, according to Charlie Roumeliotis of NBCS Chicago. The Chicago Blackhawks forward is dealing with an upper-body injury, leaving the door open for Boris Katchouk to re-enter the lineup. Lafferty, 27, has three goals and seven points in 19 games this season after signing a two-year, $2.3MM contract extension in the spring.
- After missing one game, Yegor Chinakhov is getting back into the Columbus Blue Jackets lineup where he can continue his solid start to the year. The 21-year-old has ten points in 18 games, good for third on the Blue Jackets behind only Johnny Gaudreau and Boone Jenner. To make room for him, Liam Foudy will come out. Chinakhov will skate with Cole Sillinger and recent recall Carson Meyer, who is in for Emil Bemstrom.