The Buffalo Sabres looked like they might be turning a corner in terms of injuries as Michael Kesselring was expected to start practicing in the next few days while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is doing a rehab assignment in Rochester. They have yet to have their full roster at any point this season and they might have to wait even longer after seeing Jason Zucker leave in the second period and not return against the Detroit Red Wings.
Zucker suffered the injury when he went for a hit along the boards in the second period and skated off the ice almost immediately after the play. He would not return for the third period and the Sabres announced he would miss the remainder of the game.
Zucker was a bright spot for the Sabres last season in his first year with Buffalo after having 53 points and being a big part of the power play with 11 goals. This season was a little more up and down as he led the team with goals at three entering the game against Detroit and added another one tonight against the Red Wings.
However, he also was apparently benched in the final period against the Montreal Canadiens but it has been more good than bad from Zucker this season.
Buffalo Sabres will have a tough time replacing Jason Zucker if he misses an extended period
Jason Zucker does a lot for this team that will make it tough for the coaching staff to replace him with just one player. They appear to be close to getting Jordan Greenway, who hasn't played yet this season due to injury, and this could allow Peyton Krebs to move up to the third line.
However, it also means that Noah Ostlund will probably see an extended run with the Sabres. He made his season debut against the Red Wings after playing in eight games last season with Buffalo.
After the game, head coach Lindy Ruff said that the team was currently evaluating the injury and there isn't a time frame right now. The Sabres have two big games against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday and Saturday, which seem likely to be in jeopardy of Zucker being available.