There’s some good news on the horizon for the Sabres on the injury front. Head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters including Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald that center Josh Norris has resumed skating as he continues to recover from an early-season upper-body injury sustained in Buffalo’s season opener. While the team never announced a formal timeline for his return beyond his absence being a long-term one, there was some hope that he’d only miss a couple of months. Since he’s back on the ice already, that could ultimately be the case, assuming there aren’t any setbacks.
Meanwhile, another center is about to return as Tyson Kozak was a full participant in practice and could suit up on Thursday against St. Louis. The 22-year-old has missed the last six games due to a lower-body injury and has a pair of goals in his seven appearances this season. The Sabres have a full 23-player roster so they will need to make a move to free up a roster spot before Kozak can be activated off injured reserve.
More from the Atlantic:
- With a cap and roster crunch looming in Toronto when Joseph Woll needs to be activated off LTIR, the Maple Leafs will need to make some moves sooner than later. Some have suspected that they will be waiving players or parting with an asset to get a team to take on a contract but David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that they’re not taking that approach just yet. Instead, they’re still focused on landing a positive-value return in the form of draft capital. With Woll not on a conditioning stint yet, they still have some time but sooner than later, their hand will be forced, barring further injuries.
- Still with Toronto, prior to tonight’s game against Utah, the Maple Leafs announced (Twitter link) that defenseman Simon Benoit would be scratched due to illness. The 27-year-old has been a regular on the third pairing this season, picking up two assists, 21 blocks, and 33 hits in 13 games while averaging over 17 minutes a night. His absence may have played a role in Easton Cowan’s demotion as Dakota Mermis, who is also currently waiver-exempt, was needed in the lineup to cover for Benoit.