Injuries reshape lineups as Sabres host games at KeyBank Center
The Buffalo Sabres enter upcoming matchups at KeyBank Center with roster questions after a series of injury announcements affecting both Buffalo and Columbus players. Team officials and local beat reporters have relayed updates spanning surgical recoveries, upper-body issues and other ailments that will keep several players off the ice for the remainder of their seasons.
Among the items affecting the Sabres, the organization reported on May 19 that forward J. Kulich had a blood clot removed and, according to Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald, will be able to return to play. Another forward, J. Danforth, was listed by the Sabres on Jan. 26 as progressing toward a return following the post-Olympic break after a kneecap issue.
Across the rink, the Columbus Blue Jackets issued several season-ending or long-term updates: on Jan. 8 B. Smith was shut down due to a knee injury; on Apr. 3 D. Severson underwent shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season; and on Apr. 14 both M. Olivier (upper body) and D. Voronkov (hand) were designated as out for the season or shut down for the rest of the year.
"shut down for the season"
These designations carry practical consequences for game-day rosters, power-play and penalty-kill units, and call-ups from the AHL. Coaches and management in Buffalo typically must adjust pairings and special-teams assignments when trusted contributors are unavailable, and the series of announcements will likely influence lineup decisions for home dates at KeyBank Center.
- J. Kulich (C, Sabres) — blood clot removed; cleared to play (May 19).
- J. Danforth (RW, Sabres) — kneecap issue; trending toward post-Olympic return (Jan. 26).
- B. Smith (D, Blue Jackets) — knee; shut down for the season (Jan. 8).
- D. Severson (D, Blue Jackets) — shoulder surgery; out for season (Apr. 3).
- M. Olivier (RW, Blue Jackets) — upper body; shut down for season (Apr. 14).
- D. Voronkov (LW, Blue Jackets) — hand; initially week-to-week, now shut down for rest of year (Apr. 14).
| Player | Team | Injury | Status / Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| J. Kulich | Sabres | Blood clot | Cleared to play — May 19 |
| J. Danforth | Sabres | Kneecap | Trending toward return — Jan. 26 |
| B. Smith | Blue Jackets | Knee | Shut down — Jan. 8 |
| D. Severson | Blue Jackets | Shoulder | Surgery; out for season — Apr. 3 |
| M. Olivier | Blue Jackets | Upper body | Shut down — Apr. 14 |
| D. Voronkov | Blue Jackets | Hand | Shut down — Apr. 14 |
For local fans planning to attend games at KeyBank Center or follow broadcasts, these roster developments mean increased attention to scratches and call-ups in the days leading to puck drop. Team statements and reporting from regional outlets remain the main sources for official status updates as the season moves forward.
