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The Buffalo Sabres are facing potential lineup challenges just one week before their 2026-27 regular-season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets, as two key defensemen are dealing with injuries.
Mattias Samuelsson and Olen Zellweger both sustained injuries during Tuesday's preseason matchup against those same Blue Jackets. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that Samuelsson is considered week-to-week with a lower-body injury after blocking a shot in the second period of a 5-1 victory at KeyBank Center. Zellweger, meanwhile, is in concussion protocol following a hit from defenseman Carson Soucy.
At the time of the hit, Buffalo held a 3-0 lead. Zellweger required assistance to leave the ice and head to the dressing room. Ruff mentioned that he spoke with the 23-year-old Wednesday morning and that Zellweger was already feeling better. "That's very encouraging to me, but I don't want to get ahead of myself," the veteran coach said.
With the season opener only a week away, Samuelsson's week-to-week status makes his availability doubtful. Zellweger's return will depend on his progression through concussion protocol.
Zellweger joined the Sabres this offseason via a trade with the Anaheim Ducks, shortly after Bowen Byram was sent to the Chicago Blackhawks. Selected 34th overall by the Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft, the Calgary, Alberta native recorded 22 points in 76 games during the 2025-26 season.
The update on Samuelsson is particularly disappointing. He was excellent last season, taking on a top-pairing role alongside Rasmus Dahlin and contributing 13 goals and 41 points in 78 games. He added seven points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff contests. The 26-year-old also anchored the team's penalty kill, and his all-around play helped the Sabres return to the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons.
If both Zellweger and Samuelsson are unavailable on Oct. 1, depth defensemen such as Ryan Johnson or Dennis Gilbert could see opportunities in the short term. The Sabres have two preseason games remaining, visiting the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday and hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.
Originally reported by yahoo.