The Buffalo Sabres have struggled to field their ideal 20-man lineup this 2025-26 NHL season, hampered by ongoing injuries over the past four months. As the team prepares to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night before the Olympic break, seven players remain sidelined, including key forwards Josh Norris and Zach Benson. The Sabres’ injury troubles have forced adjustments, with additional players like Jordan Greenway and Michael Kesselring being managed carefully to address lingering issues.
Josh Norris’ Recovery Status and Impact on the Team
The Sabres understood the health risks when they acquired Josh Norris from the Ottawa Senators, noting his history of limited games in a season. This campaign has been no exception, as Norris has missed 37 games so far. Although he recently returned to practice, the coaching staff decided to extend his rest throughout the Olympic pause to ensure full recovery.
Head coach Lindy Ruff remarked,
“Would fully anticipate, after the Olympic break, he’ll be good.”
Norris has shown impressive productivity when healthy, accumulating 17 points (six goals and 11 assists) in 19 contests this year, also strengthening the Sabres’ power-play performance. However, his ongoing injury issues cast uncertainty on how much he can contribute during the final stretch and any postseason play.
Zach Benson’s Injury Update and Return Outlook
Zach Benson sustained an upper body injury after colliding with the boards during a partial breakaway in Monday night’s win against the Florida Panthers. Despite attempting to play through the injury, he lasted only one shift before leaving the ice.
Coach Ruff offered reassurance:
“I got a good report on [Benson],”
and added,
“He should be back after the break, too.”
The 20-year-old winger has rapidly become an indispensable player for Buffalo, known for his energy and growing offensive contributions, having tallied 26 points (seven goals and 19 assists) in 42 games this season.
Jordan Greenway’s Core Injury Complications
Veteran forward Jordan Greenway has been contending with a persistent core injury that has limited his ability to play effectively. He recently shared his concerns about long-term health effects, stating,
“I still got a life to live afterwards, and ideally I can use all of my limbs and my core afterwards, right? So, you definitely have to think about it, for sure. But at the end of the day, my goal is to be able to go out there, help the team as much as I can and do it with the least amount of pain as possible.”
Ruff confirmed that Greenway is consulting with doctors and that surgery might still be required. Throughout this season, Greenway’s contributions have been limited, mostly providing value on the penalty kill when active.
Conor Timmins’ Progress Following Broken Leg
Defenseman Conor Timmins suffered a broken leg on December 18 during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. While the Sabres hope he will return later in the season, Timmins is currently still using crutches and is not expected to be on the ice immediately after the Olympic break. Coach Ruff remains optimistic about Timmins resuming skating once he recovers further.
Since his acquisition from the Pittsburgh Penguins before the season, Timmins has played an important role, particularly on the penalty kill unit, which has fallen to ninth in the NHL with an 82.1% success rate in his absence. Buffalo’s defense has relied heavily on its top four defensemen—Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Mattias Samuelsson, and Bowen Byram—due to injuries affecting Timmins, Michael Kesselring, and others, along with inconsistent performances from replacements like Zach Metsa and Jacob Bryson.
Implications for Buffalo’s Playoff Push After the Olympic Break
Despite the extensive injury setbacks, Buffalo remains in striking distance of climbing to second place in the Atlantic Division with a win over the Penguins. The return of key players such as Zach Benson and Josh Norris after the Olympic pause could significantly boost the team’s chances in the regular season’s final phase and potential playoff contention. However, lingering concerns over players’ durability and possible further surgeries underscore the importance of cautious management moving forward.
