The Buffalo Sabres on Sunday sent center Noah Ostlund back to the Rochester Americans so they could create a roster spot and recall defenseman Zach Metsa from their AHL affiliate.
The Sabres returned Metsa, 27, to Rochester last week to make rook for center Josh Norris on the 23-man roster, leaving them with just six defensemen.
Coach Lindy Ruff said on Tuesday the Sabres, who play the Flames on Monday in Calgary, wanted to add an defenseman before they began their six-game road trip.
The Sabres, who have three goalies on their roster, played the last two contests without an extra defender.
Ostlund, 21, earned regular duty with the Sabres for more than a month, playing 16 straight games and making a strong case to stick in the NHL following his second recall this season.
Ruff has lauded the rookie’s hockey IQ and strong defensive ability.
The Swede, the 16th overall pick in 2022, recently pivoted a scoring line with Josh Doan and Alex Tuch.
Ostlund has compiled three goals and six points in 20 NHL games this season. He registered two goals and seven points in six outings with the Amerks before being summoned again Nov. 4.
With Ostlund gone, forward Tyson Kozak, who has been nursing an undisclosed injury, will likely be inserted into the lineup.
Meanwhile, Metsa, Rochester’s captain, registered zero points in his first four NHL games earlier this year. He has compiled two goals and 13 points in 14 games with the Amerks this season.