BUFFALO – Just as Sabres winger Alex Tuch might be returning to the lineup, top defensemen Mattias Samuelsson and Rasmus Dahlin are injured.
Tuch, out the last eight games recovering from a lower-body injury, practiced in a regular jersey this morning in KeyBank Center. Meanwhile, Samuelsson and Dahlin missed the session with upper-body injuries, according to the team.
Samuelsson, who turns 23 on Tuesday, is week to week. He briefly left Saturday afternoon’s 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Rangers after blocking a shot. Dahlin, 22, is day to day.
At least the Sabres should have Tuch, 26, back soon. He has developed into a star this season, scoring 28 goals and 62 points in 57 games. The Sabres are 2-5-1 since he was injured Feb. 24.
“The results aren’t what we wanted since he’s been out, so having him back is significant,” Sabres coach Don Granato said. “… He’s an incredible athlete, so we’re gauging when’s the right time for him that he’s comfortable and we’re comfortable putting him in. But it will be a boost when he’s in there.”
The Sabres begin a three-game road trip Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Check back later for more.
Update: Goalie Eric Comrie has lower-body injury and is week to week, according to the Sabres.
Granato said he expects Comrie and Samuelsson will play again this season.
