Kevyn Adams has been active on the waiver wire. ©2021, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres add new defenseman, claim Christian Wolanin off waivers

BUFFALO – The Sabres added depth to their defense corps today, claiming Christian Wolanin off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings.

The move comes a day after the Sabres announced they will be without defenseman Henri Jokiharju for at least two weeks after he suffered a lower-body injury in Thursday’s 5-1 season-opening win over the Montreal Canadiens.

With Jokiharju injured, the Sabres had only six defensemen on the roster before claiming Wolanin.

To make room for Wolanin, a left-handed shot, the Sabres placed Jokiharju on injured reserve.

Update: Sabres coach Don Granato said following Saturday afternoon’s 2-1 shootout win over the Arizona Coyotes that Jokiharju will likely be out a little longer than two weeks. Jokiharju was in the press box Saturday wearing a boot and using crutches.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Wolanin, 26, has played 61 NHL games, compiling five and 18 points. The Ottawa Senators drafted him in the fourth round in 2015th, 107th overall.

After playing three years at North Dakota, Wolanin spent his first three pro seasons in the Ottawa organization. The Kings acquired him in a trade on March 29.

Wolanin’s father, Craig, a former defenseman, played 695 NHL games over 13 seasons, mostly with the New Jersey Devils and Quebec Nordiques.

Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has been active on the waiver wire this month. He also claimed winger Axel Jonsson-Fjallby from Washington before the Capitals reclaimed him.

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