Sabres’ Mattias Samuelsson out week-to-week; Olen Zellweger in concussion protocol

It appears the Buffalo Sabres could be starting their season without a couple of key blueliners.

On Wednesday, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that defenseman Mattias Samuelsson is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury, and defenseman Olen Zellweger is in concussion protocol.

Samuelsson’s injury likely occured during Tuesday’s 5-1 preseason win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, as he was forced to leave the game early after blocking a shot.

The 26-year-old defenseman was an important member of Buffalo’s blueline last season, as he notched 13 goals and 28 assists for 41 points in 78 games while averaging just under 23 minutes of ice time. He then had three goals and four assists for seven points in the Sabres’ 13 playoff games. He is entering the fourth season of a seven-year, $30 million contract with Buffalo.

Zellweger, 23, also suffered his injury during Tuesday’s preseason win. The incident came late in the second period when Zellweger was dropped with crushing hit from Blue Jackets’ defenseman Carson Soucy.

Zellweger stayed down on the ice for some time before getting helped to the Sabres’ dressing room.

The Calgary native was acquired by Buffalo in June from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a second-round pick and forward Anton Wahlberg. Last season for Anaheim, he registered seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points in 76 games while averaging roughly 17 minutes of ice time. He then had a goal and an assist for two points in three of the Ducks’ playoff games.

After trading for Zellweger, the Sabres signed him to a three-year, $9.3 million contract extension.

Buffalo’s preseason continues as they visit the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday before hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

They’ll begin their regular season on October 1 when they visit the Blue Jackets.