TORONTO – Buffalo Sabres coach Ted Nolan had no updates on Patrick Kaleta and Johan Larsson. The forwards left Sunday’s 3-2 preseason shootout loss to the Maple Leafs with apparent head injuries.
The players will be re-evaluated when the Sabres return to Buffalo, Nolan said.
The oft-injured Kaleta left the game just minutes in when Morgan Rielly’s slap shot hit the winger in the cheekbone area. Kaleta immediately skated off the ice to the dressing room.
Later in the period, Petter Granberg elbowed Larsson in the head. Larsson was helped off the ice.
“They both took some serious hits there,” Nolan said.
Naturally, Nolan has concussion concerns.
“I don’t want to predict,” he said. “I’m not a doctor.”
Both players have been competing for a roster spot. Kaleta’s just returning from a torn ACL.
“Patty’s worked his tail off to get back here, and all of a sudden this thing,” Nolan said. “So we’re crossing our fingers.”
The Sabres also lost defenseman Mark Pysyk (upper body, day-to-day) earlier this preseason.
