Byram only played 14:52 in the last game for the Avalanche, exiting with an upper-body injury, but has been deemed fit to play on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets. Byram had an elevated role in the last two games with Makar out of the lineup but will return to his usual spot alongside Josh Manson on the second defensive pair for the Avalanche.
With Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen still out of the lineup with an illness, Levi will likely start against the Boston Bruins on Thursday after serving as the team's backup on Tuesday. This will mark Levi's first start at the NHL level since November 25th when he was subsequently sent down to the AHL, where he posted a 2.94 GAA and .921 SV% in two games (1-1-0) with the Rochester Americans. The Sabres are +239 road underdogs against a Bruins team that scored five goals on Levi (.722 SV%) on November 14th in a 5-2 victory.
With Ukka-Pekka Luukkonen still out of the lineup with an illness, Levi will likely start against the Boston Bruins on Thursday after serving as the team's backup on Tuesday. This will mark Levi's first start at the NHL level since November 25th when he was subsequently sent down to the AHL, where he posted a 2.94 GAA and .921 SV% in two games (1-1-0) with the Rochester Americans. The Sabres are +239 road underdogs against a Bruins team that scored five goals on Levi (.722 SV%) on November 14th in a 5-2 victory.
Byram left the Avalanche's game Tuesday due to a high hit after just 14:52 and did not practice Wednesday but is hopeful to play Thursday vs. the Jets. The 22-year-old has never completed more than 42 games in any of his first three seasons but already has five goals, three assists, 37 SOG, 32 PIMs and a -3 plus/minus in 25 games played so far prior to his recent dust up.
Luukkonen was unavailable Tuesday due to an illness and will not travel with the Sabres' on their upcoming road trip to Boston. The 24-year-old has steady enough this season to take over the Sabres' starting role due to his 6-5-1 record, .907 SV% and 2.81 GAA. Devon Levi was recalled from Rochester (AHL) Tuesday in a corresponding move and should fill in for Luukkonen for the time being.
Dahlin left Tuesday's practice early and was absent Wednesday due to a lower-body injury and is considered "banged up" for the time being but will travel with the team on their upcoming road trip to Boston. The 23-year-old superstar defensemen is on pace for yet another strong statistical season, with his six goals, 15 assists, 66 SOG, 20 PIMs and -10 plus/minus in 26 games played.
Greenway did not play on Sunday, has missed four of the Sabres' last six games, and is expected to be out for an additional seven to 10 days with an upper-body injury. Greenway's offensive pedigree has not materialized since being traded to the Sabres late last season, scoring only 11 points (6G / 5A) in 38 combined games.
Tuch is expected to miss seven to 10 days with an undisclosed injury. Tuch's absence from the lineup will be a sizeable blow for a Sabres team that already struggles to score goals (2.84 GF / GP) but, luckily for the Sabres, Tage Thompson (upper-body) will return from a multi-week injury just as Tuch exits the lineup.
Johnson played 15:23 in the Sabres' last game on Sunday but will return to the press box as a healthy scratch for the second time in their last three games. The 22-year-old rookie is averaging 14:08 time-on-ice and has one point (0G / 1A) and 10 blocks through 13 games this season.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is battling an illness, resulting in Devon Levi being recalled from the Rochester Americans of the AHL. Levi has played well since his demotion to Rochester, posting a 2.94 GAA and .921 SV% in two games (1-1-0). He will likely serve as the backup to Eric Comrie in the Sabres' Tuesday night matchup against the Detroit Red Wings.
The Sabres have recalled Devon Levi, likely to serve as backup to Eric Comrie, while Luukkonen is unable to suit up due to an illness. Luukkonen has unquestionably been the most dynamic and consistent of the three Sabres goaltenders this season, with seven quality starts through 11 games (.636 QS %). Expect Luukkonen to regain command of the starters as soon as he recovers.
Thompson is expected to make his much awaited return Tuesday after taking full part in practice earlier. His presence at morning skate on Tuesday is a welcoming sign for a Sabres' team that has struggled to generate consistent offence in his absence. Thompson last played on November 14th and was not having the season the elite centre iceman was expecting after a breakout 2022-23 campaign, scoring only 12 points (6G / 6A) through 16 games.
Tuch exited Sunday's game against the Nashville Predators after playing 16:19 time-on-ice with an undisclosed injury. A more detailed update should be provided for Tuch on Monday. The Sabres, already without Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, and Jordan Greenway, can ill afford to lose Tuch, who has six points (3G / 3A) in his last six games.
Luukkonen will get the nod on Sunday after Eric Comrie got the start in Saturday's 6-2 defeat in Carolina. Luukkonen struggled his last time out, surrendering six goals on just 20 shots in a 6-4 loss at the hands of the Blues. The 24-year-old netminder has posted a .905 SV% and a 2.88 GAA to go along with his 6-4-1 record on the season.
