Buffalo Sabres star Evander Kane was forced to leave the team’s Oct. 24 game against the New Jersey Devils after suffering an MCL injury that will keep him out for multiple weeks.
According to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com), “Kane collapsed after having his knee pinned to the boards in the right corner of the Devils’ zone on a check from David Schlemko.”
Continue for updates.
Kane’s Timeline for Return Revealed
Monday, Oct. 26
The Sabres confirmed Kane will miss four to six weeks as he recovers. Joe Yerdon of NHL.com added Kane will not need surgery.
Kane Comments on Return
Sunday, Oct. 25
Kane sent a message to Sabres fans on Twitter following Buffalo’s 4-3 loss to the Devils:
Kane’s Absence a Major Blow to Struggling Sabres
In eight games this season, Kane has tallied one goal and two assists while posting a minus-five rating.
Kane signed a six-year, $31.5 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets prior to the 2012-13 season, but they dealt him to the Sabres in February after announcing he was set to have season-ending shoulder surgery.
Buffalo has started the season 2-6 with a minus-10 goal differential that ranks as the second worst in the Eastern Conference, so getting Kane back in a timely manner is of the utmost importance for a team that’s looking to make developmental strides.
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Buffalo Sabres goalie Robin Lehner is out for the foreseeable future after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the team’s season opener on Oct. 8 while attempting to make a save in the second period.
Continue for updates.
Lehner To Miss 6-10 Weeks
Sunday, Oct. 11
Head coach Dan Bylsma announced Lehner‘s diagnosis a day after the team placed the goaltender on injured reserve.
What Lehner‘s Injury Means for Sabres
Buffalo acquired Lehner in June after trading a first-round pick to Ottawa with the hopes the 24-year-old would be their goalie of the future. The Oct. 8 game was his first since suffering a season-ending concussion in February.
Chad Johnson, whom the Sabres acquired via trade with the New York Islanders, will be Lehner‘s replacement. The sixth-year veteran has played in 56 games and has a .914 career save percentage. Nathan Lieuwen will serve as Johnson’s backup.
With Lehner out for an extended period, Johnson will have to step up until the starter can return healthy.
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