What Happened
The Buffalo Sabres announced they are expected to activate forward Sam Carrick from injured reserve ahead of their October 29 game against the Anaheim Ducks. Carrick has been out since Buffalo's October 15 matchup with the Toronto Maple Leafs because of a mid-body injury. The club also announced that forward Konsta Helenius will not finish the road trip due to an upper-body injury and has returned to Buffalo for further evaluation.
Key Details
- Carrick, 34, was scoreless with a -3 rating in four games, averaging 7:34 of ice time.
- Helenius has one goal and three points in 11 games with a -2 rating this season.
- Helenius is in the second year of his entry-level contract.
- Buffalo's Pacific Division road trip ends Saturday; the next home game is November 4.
- A retroactive injured reserve placement could make Helenius eligible to return next Wednesday against Ottawa.
What It Means
Carrick gives Buffalo a defensive-minded fourth-line option after a mid-body injury cost him time early in the season. Helenius, a former first-round pick still developing offensively, will be unavailable at least through the next two games while the Sabres continue their Pacific Division trip. His absence tests Buffalo's forward depth on the road.
What's Next
Buffalo finishes its Pacific Division road trip on Saturday. Helenius will be evaluated in Buffalo, and a retroactive injured reserve placement would make him eligible to return next Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators. The Sabres' next home game is November 4.