The Buffalo Sabres are still a banged-up group, having seen several key players like Tage Thompson go down with an injury in November.
The Buffalo Sabres received encouraging news on the Tage Thompson front. While the timetable for his return remains unchanged, there was a chance he could be ready to roll sooner than later. Here are the exact words from general manager Kevyn Adams regarding the potential return of the Blue and Gold’s star center:
"“Hopefully he’s on the shorter end of the timeline but still a little ways away. But definitely in a good spot.”"
Source: Sabres notes: Team Canada wants Zach Benson; Buffalo had interest in signing Patrick Kane by Bill Hoppe, Buffalo Hockey Beat
Tage’s ultimate return will bring the Sabres yet another step closer to full strength at the right time. December and January will be huge months for all teams on the outside looking in, and if the Sabres can keep playing solid hockey in his absence, the 26-year-old will play a pivotal role in potentially putting the team over the top.
Updates for Buffalo Sabres wingers Jordan Greenway and Jack Quinn
There is also excellent news on the Jordan Greenway front, as he’s once again practicing with the Sabres as of yesterday. Barring anything between the time of this writing and faceoff tonight against St. Louis, expect the physical winger to return to the lineup.
Greenway has just six points in 19 games this season, but his average time on ice sits at 17:08, and he’s been one of the Blue and Gold’s best players on the penalty kill. Look for Greenway to return to his usual role if he plays tonight.
Give it another month, and Jack Quinn should be gearing up for his return. January 1st is the target date, though Lance Lysowski of Buffalo News cited “early January” in one of his most recent pieces. Sometime within the first two weeks of January would be a fine projection for the Buffalo Sabres second-year winger, and as with Tage, Quinn would be hopping on board when that playoff race heats up.
(Additional information provided by Hockey Reference)