The Buffalo Sabres released their injury report for September 18 and the report included disappointing news. On this morning’s report for the Sabres are Matt Hunwick, Sean Malone, and Conor Sheary.
The news that Matt Hunwick is on the report is not a surprise, the length of time he will be out is a surprise though.
Injury Update: Sabres defenseman Matt Hunwick will miss the beginning of training camp due to an upper-body injury.
— Sabres PR (@SabresPR) September 14, 2018
Last week it was announced that he will miss time at the beginning of camp with an upper body injury however this morning it was announced that he will be out indefinitely with a neck injury. This news is difficult for Hunwick who was looking to battle for one of the final defenseman spots. The injury will create more opportunities for defensemen to get playing time in training camp, especially Jake McCabe, Brendan Guhle, and Casey Nelson.
Conor Sheary has been listed as week to week with an upper body injury. This injury will be tougher for head coach Phil Housley to address as Conor Sheary was slated to play left wing on one of the top 2 lines for the Buffalo Sabres. Compounding the effects of the injury on the team is the absence of Sam Reinhart, who still has not signed a contract.
Without Sheary and Reinhart at camp, the door is open for young Sabres Alexander Nylander, Evan Rodrigues, Tage Thompson, and Justin Bailey to see more TOI in the upcoming preseason games.
Coach Housley says Sheary will be out week-to-week (upper body), Malone for weeks (knee). “It’s unfortunate but a chance for other guys to step up.” pic.twitter.com/nQi42OayH6
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) September 18, 2018
Last night’s impressive showing against Columbus did not come without a cost though as forward Sean Malone.
Sean Malone hobbles off to the bench...Was favoring left leg/knee. Trainer talking to him. #Sabres
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) September 18, 2018
Sean Malone left the ice in the second period which has turned out to be a knee injury that will keep him out for 6 weeks. Malone had assisted on Kyle Criscuolo‘s goal earlier in the period. The injury essentially ensures that Malone will start the season in Rochester.
Although he is not on the official injury report, Zach Bogosian is still day to day for the Buffalo Sabres. Bogosian, who has battled injuries for the majority of his career, looks to be healthy to start the year and he should be back on the ice soon.
How do you think these injuries will impact training camp and the start of the season? Let us know in the comment section below.