Day one of training camp was immediately alarming for the Buffalo Sabres, as star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin left minutes in with an injury. A competitive camp saw some nicks and bruises to other players, but, all-in-all, the Sabres made it through the preseason healthy. The same cannot be said for the Montreal Canadiens and Patrik Laine. Dahlin returned to action for Buffalo’s exhibition game in Munich, Germany, and the NHL squad looks full and ready to go.
The luck didn’t carry to the rest of the Atlantic Division, as the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators ran into major injury concerns with some of their top players. The Canadiens had two heralded players in their organization, Laine and last year’s first-round pick David Reinbacher, each leave the game with a knee injury.
Laine and Canadiens Injuries
It was announced yesterday that Laine sustained a knee sprain and that the injury will keep him out for two to three months. Reinbacher underwent surgery on his left knee and is out for five to six months. That’s devastating preseason news for one of Montreal’s top players and top prospects. The Canadiens were hoping to take a leap forward this season, and some of that hope has already dwindled.
More from Montreal Hockey Now:
Senators Tkachuk, Stutzle, Chabot Injured
The Ottawa Senators haven’t avoided the injury parade either, with three of their top players leaving Tuesday night’s game with injuries. Team captain Brady Tkachuk has been battling health issues in the preseason and is being re-evaluated for an upper-body injury.
Star center Tim Stutzle is also being evaluated with an upper-body injury, and defenseman Thomas Chabot left the game with an undisclosed injury.
The Senators are in a similar position as the Sabres, looking to take that next step and get into the playoffs. Injuries to key players this early in the season will hinder that notion, as Ottawa will have to find scoring other ways, depending on the severity.
Other Injuries Around the NHL
First-overall draft pick Macklin Celebrini left Tuesday’s game for the San Jose Sharks with a lower-body injury. The young center was prime to start the season in the NHL and boost a lackluster lineup, so we’ll await further details.
San Jose Hockey Now: Celebrini Leaves Game With Lower-Body Injury
The New York Rangers star winger Artemi Panarin also left Tuesday’s contest early with a lower-body injury. There is no word yet on the severity there.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a slew of players injured, including a recent concussion to William Nylander. Forwards John Tavares, Calle Jarnkrok, and Connor Dewar, and defenseman Jani Hakanpaa are all questionable to start the season.
Drew Doughty received unfortunate news of an ankle fracture sustained in the preseason. He is listed as month-to-month.
The Latest at Buffalo Hockey Now
The mystery surrounding the status of Ryan Johnson has been solved. Read more about the second-year defenseman and where he stands in the Sabres organization.
The Sabres trimmed their roster by cutting 20 players. See who was cut, and who could be next as the Sabres prepare for the regular season.
The final Sabres Grades of the preseason are in. See which players thrived against the Detroit Red Wings, and who struggled.
Across National Hockey Now
Philly Hockey Now: Anthony Richard is making a strong case to make the Flyers out of training camp. More on the 27-year-old, and what head coach John Tortorella said about him.
Detroit Hockey Now: Defenseman Justin Holl did not get what he wanted out of last season. See why he hopes 2024-2025 will go better with the Red Wings.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There’s some positive injury news in Pittsburgh, as Erik Karlsson is skating again. Head coach Mike Sullivan threw the word “confident” around.
