BUFFALO – Now that defenseman Jacob Bryson has cleared waivers and been assigned to the Rochester Americans, the Sabres hope he can start playing games again.
Bryson, 26, had spent all season as the Sabres’ seventh or eighth defenseman, playing just three times before they placed him on waivers Monday.
Tuesday’s assignment to the Amerks, his first stint in the AHL since 2020-21, offers him an opportunity to find a groove again. He hasn’t played since Nov. 4.
“That would be nice for him to play some games,” Sabres coach Don Granato said following Tuesday’s morning skate in KeyBank Center. “It’s hard that he hasn’t played games. He’s done a good job keeping himself in great condition and work hard and be a positive member of the team without, unfortunately, getting the ice time.
“We’ve been healthier on the back end, which we weren’t a year ago. And it seems to be reversed with the forwards (this year).”
Bryson joins a crowded blue line in Rochester. The Amerks also have defensemen Joseph Cecconi, Kale Clague, Jeremy Davies, Zach Metsa, Nikita Novikov, Ethan Prow (who’s injured) and Riley Stillman.
