The Buffalo Sabres are skating their way toward a postseason berth, so every practice is important as the team figures out what type of depth it will need in tournament play.
One player that was recently seen returning to practice was left winger Jordan Greenway. The enforcer has been out of the lineup since January. It's due to a middle-body injury.
When on the ice, he can dominate the ice as a physical force, and he's great both on the boards and in giving the Sabres much-needed heavy play. As evident by a recent game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the games will only get more intense with the playoffs set to begin soon.
Despite missing a lot of games, he currently averages 1.5 hits per contest when available. However, his time on the ice has been rather infrequent in a fourth-line role.
For Jordan Greenway to prove his worth, he needs to progress and prove himself an asset to the Buffalo Sabres
Head coach Lindy Ruff stated that Greenway is progressing slowly. The problem for Greenway is, will the Sabres continue to see value in a winger that doesn't find the back of the net during the playoffs?
He needs to get back out playing in order to prove he can add depth to the team when April turns to May. Regardless of how far the Sabres go this year, Greenway has a chance to be a part of their long-term plans, but only if he shows what he can do.
If he only sees action in minimal games and misses either most or all of the postseason he could be on his way out. He is signed through 2027, but if he continues to be on injured reserve or plays a small amount of minutes, it may be time for Buffalo to move on.
The Sabres' new management will be looking at all possible scenarios in the offseason. If they are looking at trading for another forward or defenseman and need an added piece, a player with one-year remaining on his contract like Greenway could be the chip needed for that kind of move.
If Greenway can return and prove once again why the Sabres brought him in from the Wild a few years ago, he could continue to stay a member of the team.
In the end, he could be an important veteran presence to add depth, or he could no longer find himself as part of the club's long-term vision. March and April may tell which.