Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson is sidelined indefinitely due to a lower-body injury, as announced by coach Lindy Ruff on Wednesday.
Ruff described the injury’s severity as “pretty strong” but refrained from providing specific details. Fortunately, he noted that Samuelsson is unlikely to require surgery.
Samuelsson sustained the injury during a match against Montreal, where he was involved in a play that saw a Canadiens player inadvertently collide with his leg. This game marked Samuelsson’s return after being a healthy scratch for the previous three matches, as Ruff aimed to revitalize the lineup.
Additionally, Ruff indicated that leading goal scorer Tage Thompson and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are currently listed as day-to-day. Both players face a chance of participating in Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Thompson was unable to complete the game on Monday due to a lower-body injury he suffered.
Meanwhile, Luukkonen did start against Montreal, despite dealing with what Ruff termed an ailment; however, he was replaced after allowing four goals on 18 shots within the first two periods of the game.
As the Sabres prepare for their next matchup, they will have to contend with these injuries while hoping for quick recoveries for their key players.