Matt Hunwick played only 14 games last season. ©2019, Hickling Images

Neck injury will sideline Sabres’ Matt Hunwick entire season

A neck injury will sideline Buffalo Sabres defenseman Matt Hunwick this season, general manager Jason Botterill announced this afternoon.

“After further medical evaluation this offseason, we unfortunately do not expect that Matt will be physically able to play this upcoming season due to a neck condition,” Botterill said in a statement.

Hunwick, 34, endured a rough 2018-19 campaign, his first with the Sabres. He hurt his neck working out last offseason, an injury that sidelined him until Dec. 16.

Following his debut, he struggled to stay in the lineup, often sitting as a healthy scratch. An upper-body injury sidelined him the final three weeks of the season.

In 14 games last season, Hunwick compiled two assists, four penalty minutes and a minus-7 rating.

Hunwick likely would’ve filled a depth role again this season.

The Sabres can seek salary cap relief from Hunwick’s $2.25 million hit by placing him on LTIR. Right now, they’re $1,059,524 over the $81.5 million cap, according to capfriendly.com.

The Sabres acquired Hunwick from the Pittsburgh Penguins last year.

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