Sabres’ Mattias Samuelsson, Bowen Byram sidelined by injuries

BUFFALO – Following a trying season, oft-injured Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson enjoyed a productive summer and looked impressive early in training camp, coach Lindy Ruff said.

But Samuelsson, 25, has already been sidelined.

Ruff said on Monday the American re-aggravated an upper-body injury and is week to week. He hasn’t practiced since Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ruff said defenseman Bowen Byram suffered “a little bit of an injury” in Saturday afternoon’s 5-2 preseason win over the Detroit Red Wings. Ruff, who did not specify the injury, said Byram will likely skate on his own today but won’t play in Wednesday’s exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

So 10 days before the season opener, the Sabres are down two of their top-six defensemen.

Samuelsson, of course, has battled injuries throughout his NHL career, never playing more than 62 games in a season.

“It’s a step back for him,” Ruff said following Monday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “I thought his camp was good. He came into camp in real good shape, thought he played well in the game he played. We’re just hoping it isn’t too long.”

In other injury news, Ruff said center Jiri Kulich, who tweaked a muscle Thursday, will practice today.

Ruff also said winger Jordan Greenway, who underwent a second surgery in July to repair a mid-body injury, is progressing and could start practicing next week.

Greenway has missed all of camp.