Add Zach Bogosian to the Sabres walking wounded.
Coach Dan Bylsma revealed Bogosian suffered an MCL sprain and will be out of the lineup for “weeks” … up to a month. The grade 1 to grade 2 sprain occurred during the first period of Tuesday night’s game in Minnesota.
“We played a good defensive team game, and Zach was a big part of that. We’re going to miss having him out of the lineup,” Byslma said this morning.
Playing in his third season with the Sabres, Bogosian was looking to build upon a solid ’15-16 campaign, one in which he scored seven goals and 24 points in 64 games, while averaging over 22 minutes a night.
The Atlanta Thrashers’ third overall pick in 2008 has had his share of struggles this season, going pointless through nine games, but he has still been a vital contributor on the Sabres’ blue line.
Casey Nelson, who hasn’t played since the season opener, will fill Bogosian’s spot in the lineup.
“I’m really excited,” said Nelson. “It’s good to be back. I’ve learned a lot. I’m going to go into tonight with a lot of energy.”
The Sabres host the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at KeyBank Center. Game time is 7:05 p.m. EST.