Mark Pysyk has played five games. ©2013, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald

Which Sabres player should Rolston sit against Panthers?

While interim Buffalo Sabres coach Ron Rolston wouldn’t confirm it, defenseman Andrej Sekera, out the last five games, essentially told reporters in Florida he planned to play tonight against the Panthers following a five-game absence.

Slick winger Thomas Vanek (muscle strain) is out and struggling winger Drew Stafford, a healthy scratch the last two games, will return, Rolston told reporters.

Assuming Sekera returns, what should the Sabres do? Should Rolston simply sit rookie defenseman Mark Pysyk?

That’s not a given, Rolston said Monday. The Sabres will likely keep seven defensemen on the roster. Perhaps all of them will dress. Pysyk’s calm play has impressed Rolston.

If an extra defender plays, who would sit up front?

Nathan Gerbe, a healthy scratch twice last week, could be the top candidate. The winger hasn’t scored in his last eight appearances.

Gerbe, of course, didn’t like getting benched.

Stay tuned.

Update: Sekera is back in. Pysyk is out. Tough guy John Scott is playing. Rookie winger Brian Flynn is scratched.

Related: Sabres rookie Pysyk quickly earning keep on blue line

Slumping Stafford benched as Gerbe returns for Sabres

Struggling Stafford wants to remain with Sabres

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