Buffalo Sabres
Jason Zucker is expected to return against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday (7 p.m. ET; Disney+, HULU, ESPN+, SNW).
The forward, who signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract ($4.75 million average annual value) with the Sabres on Friday, has missed six games with a lower-body injury.
“Good to be back out there with the guys,” Zucker said. “It feels like long days when you’re not with the group and skating with them, so it’s good to be back out there.”
Zucker was injured after blocking a shot in the third period of an 8-2 win against the New York Rangers on Feb. 22. He briefly left the game before returning and played the next game (Feb. 25 against the Anaheim Ducks) but hasn’t played since.
He has 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 54 games this season.
“It lingered more than I expected, but sometimes that’s the way it goes,” Zucker said. “Kind of unfortunate. I was really hoping I didn’t have to waste any time, but it’s just the way it was.”
Zucker skated at left wing with Ryan McLeod and Alex Tuch at the morning skate. He was also back in his usual spot at the front of the net during power-play drills. — Heather Engel