The Buffalo Sabres have been dealing with injuries on a regular basis since the start of training camp. It is something they have had to navigate but seemed to be getting close to full health going into this game.
However, the Sabres surprisingly didn't have Owen Power or Zach Benson on the ice for the game against the New York Rangers. After the game, Lindy Ruff said that Benson's absence was tied to taking a puck to the face during practice that forced him to spend some time in the hospital.
He didn't seem overly concerned about Power or Benson being out for an extended period of time, which is good news on that front. Unfortunately, the Sabres look like they might have another injury they are going to have to deal with and it is a player that was expected to be a big part of this team this season.
Josh Norris unable to finish the game for the Buffalo Sabres after suffering an upper-body injury
After the game, Lindy Ruff said that Josh Norris suffered an injury that did not allow him to go back into the game. As Rachel Lenzi tweeted, Ruff said "I am going to say that is not a good sign."
#Sabres coach Lindy Ruff on Josh Norris -- upper-body injury, and he didn't finish the game, "I'm gonna say that's not a good sign."
— Rachel Lenzi 💁🏻♀️😎💥 (@rachelmlenzi) October 10, 2025
Ruff also said Zach Benson spent the night in the hospital and watched the game from the hospital -- after the puck to the face earlier this week.
It remains to be seen what exactly the injury was but he does have a long history of shoulder injuries and has already had three surgeries since 2019.
The Sabres traded for Norris last season but he played in only three games before he was shut down for the season due to injuries. Entering training camp, he talked about how he was healthy and he played well enough to earn the top center spot next to Tage Thompson.
If Norris misses any time, this is going to be a huge loss and one that the Sabres are going to have trouble replacing. The most likely player would be Jiri Kulich, who played there last season, but that is something the coaching staff is going to have to figure out.
The next game for the Buffalo Sabres is Saturday against the Boston Bruins, and it will be interesting to see who the team has available for a game they are going to be looking for their first win of the season.