BUFFALO – Sabres winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel, out since suffering a lower-body injury in the season opener Oct. 4, practiced again Friday and will be available to play Monday against the Florida Panthers, coach Lindy Ruff said.
Aube-Kubel, who’s wearing a knee brace, could be an option for this afternoon’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, although Ruff likely wants to give him more practice time. He rejoined his teammates Tuesday but has had just one full session.
“Is it going to be enough?” Ruff said following Friday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “So we took a look at him today. It’s an option, but I don’t know with only the one day if it’s the right option. Guarantee to be available for Monday because a few more practice days.”
Meanwhile, winger Zach Benson missed Friday’s practice with a lower-body injury he had been playing through. The Sabres yanked him from the lineup Tuesday.
“We’re hoping that he makes some progress,” Ruff said. “I had a little, short conversation with him today. He’s doing OK, but it’s still not where it needs to be to get back on the ice. I think where we’re at, we got to get him healthy first before we get him back on where he’s feeling great to get into practice.”