BUFFALO – Center Noah Ostlund is back with the Sabres following a five-day stint in the minors.
The Sabres this morning recalled the prospect from the Rochester Americans because forwards Jiri Kulich and Jason Zucker are sick and out for tonight’s game against the Utah Mammoth at KeyBank Center.
Coach Lindy Ruff said Kulich, who has fluid in his ears, likely won’t play in Thursday’s home contest against the St. Louis Blues. Meanwhile, Ruff said Zucker feels worse today than he did Monday.
Zucker has been placed on injured reserve, so he must miss seven days. His placement is possibly retroactive to Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Washington Capitals, when he played just five shifts in the third period.
The Sabres did receive some good news this morning. Forward Tyson Kozak, who has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury, participated in this morning’s optional skate.
Ruff hasn’t ruled Kozak out for Thursday’s game.
In the meantime, Ostlund, 21, has another opportunity to impress the Sabres. In last Wednesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, he enjoyed perhaps his best night in the NHL, registering three shots on goal.
“Just based on numbers, really, did play well,” Ruff said of why Ostlund was recalled again. “I thought it was probably one of his best games. I thought he defended well and was in on some good opportunities. I’d just like to see him finish a couple of those good opportunities he got.”
Ostlund, the 16th overall pick in 2022, has recorded zero points in 12 career NHL games. He has scored two goals and seven points in six contests with the Amerks this season.
In other news, goalie Alex Lyon took reps during the optional skate in the net normally reserved for that night’s starter.
The rest of tonight’s lineup was unclear because of the optional skate.