The Buffalo Sabres are gearing up to welcome Conor Timmins back to their lineup, adding depth to a defense that's already bustling with talent. After picking up Luke Schenn and Logan Stanley from the Winnipeg Jets at the trade deadline, the Sabres are now looking at a crowded blueline. Head coach Lindy Ruff revealed that Timmins, who has been sidelined since December with a leg fracture, is expected to return in about a week.
With eight healthy defensemen already on the roster, Timmins' return will bring that number to nine, creating an interesting challenge for Ruff. Timmins was previously paired with Bowen Byram on the right side of the second pairing, but that spot is now held by captain Rasmus Dahlin.
Meanwhile, Michael Kesselring is occupying the right-handed slot next to Owen Power. It seems likely that Timmins will rotate with Schenn on the right side of the third pairing, allowing Ruff to tailor his lineup to the opposition-using Schenn for physical matchups and Timmins when speed is key.
Timmins has been averaging over 19 minutes of ice time per game, with significant contributions on the penalty kill.
Switching gears to the Chicago Blackhawks, defenseman Wyatt Kaiser will miss tonight's game against the Vegas Golden Knights due to an upper-body injury. Head coach Jeff Blashill expects him back for Tuesday’s game against the Minnesota Wild. Kaiser, who ranks third on the team in ice time, has been a steady presence on the blue line with five goals and 12 points over 61 games this season.
In Columbus, veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson is traveling with the team for their matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers. However, his return to the lineup remains uncertain as he deals with an upper-body injury.
Gudbranson's absence has been felt during the Blue Jackets' intense playoff push under new head coach Rick Bowness. The 34-year-old, soon to be a free agent, has been limited to just 21 games this season due to various injuries.