The Buffalo Sabres are set to activate right-winger from injured reserve, as head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed today. He has been medically cleared to play but, given he’s had only one full practice since recovering, may not suit up for tomorrow’s game against the Detroit Red Wings. Ruff stated, however, that he will definitely rejoin the lineup no later than Monday when the Sabres face off against the Florida Panthers.
He has been sidelined since sustaining a lower-body injury in the season opener against the New Jersey Devils on October 4th. The injury led to his placement on injured reserve, with an estimated recovery period of three to six weeks. Today marks exactly three weeks since the injury, aligning with the earliest projected timeline for his return.
Buffalo signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million contract over the summer, adding a high-energy forward who has proven effective in a depth role. Most recently, he played with the Washington Capitals, where he posted 16 points across 60 games last season, while also excelling as a physical presence. He tallied 159 hits, ranked fifth on the team, and maintained a solid +4 rating. Known for his responsible play, he recorded 32 takeaways against just 19 giveaways—a strong ratio for a depth forward.
Previously, he won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, contributing a career-high 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) over 74 regular-season games after being claimed off waivers from the Flyers.
With Aubé-Kubel’s return, Buffalo can revive two-thirds of Washington’s highly effective fourth line from last year, having also acquired left-winger Beck Malenstyn via trade. Both skated alongside Sam Lafferty briefly on opening night before Aubé-Kubel’s injury.
To clear a roster spot, the Sabres are likely to send a player to AHL Rochester, with Jiri Kulich a potential candidate due to limited playing time in recent games. Another option could be placing winger Zach Benson on injured reserve as he deals with a day-to-day lower-body injury, having missed practice today as reported by Lance Lysowski of *The Buffalo News*.
Leave a Reply