BUFFALO – In his last outing before the Sabres returned him to the minors, center prospect Noah Ostlund enjoyed his best offensive performance in the NHL, coach Lindy Ruff said, pumping a career-high three shots on goal and attempting four.
The Swede’s effort in Tuesday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets impressed Ruff, who recently placed him on a scoring line between Jason Zucker and Jack Quinn.
Ostlund, who on Thursday was sent back to the Rochester Americans after a four-game stint, created offense without shirking his defensive responsibilities.
“At the same time, (he) defended well, got himself in good position in the zone,” Ruff said following Wednesday’s practice in KeyBank Center. “I think he’s reading plays really well.
“You look at his overall (game), if he finished he had a great opportunity (Saturday) in Toronto. He had almost the same type of opportunity again in this game.”
Still, Ostlund, the 16th overall pick in 2022, has mustered zero points in hist first 12 contests.
The Sabres assigned the rookie to the AHL to create a roster spot for forward Jordan Greenway, who was activated off injured reserve. Greenway will make his season debut in Thursday’s road game against the Boston Bruins.
Ostlund, 21, has recorded one goal and five points in four games with the Amerks this season.
“That’s where it starts to get your ice time, you got to be reliable so the coach can put you in.”#Buffalo #Sabres notes on Noah Ostlund acclimating to the NHL, the defense corps and more:https://t.co/lrdcQLOyXg
— Bill Hoppe (@BillHoppeNHL) October 28, 2025