BUFFALO – Top Sabres draft pick Dylan Cozens underwent successful surgery on his left thumb earlier this week and needs two to three months to recover, the team announced this afternoon.
That means Cozens, the seventh overall pick last month, could miss rookie camp or training camp in September.
Cozens hurt his thumb when defenseman Brandon Hickey hip-checked him during Saturday’s development camp three-on-three tournament inside Harborcenter.
After Cozens, 18, got up from the ice, he removed his glove and examined his thumb, which was bent awkwardly. The center then went to the dressing room and didn’t return.
Later in the day, Cozens kept his hands in the pockets of his hoody while being interviewed. He appeared to be wearing a splint.
Cozens said then his thumb wasn’t broken.
