Buffalo Sabres Practice Report: Okposo Sidelined with Lower-Body Injury, Granato Returns

Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo is week to week with a lower-body injury, according to an announcement made by the team on Tuesday. The injury occurred during Buffalo’s 5-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. Despite the injury, Okposo played through the pain to complete the game, contributing 10 minutes and 56 seconds of ice time and two shots on goal. Over the past 20 games, Okposo has been a key player for the team, tallying eight goals and three assists for a total of 11 points. Since November 22, 2023, he has been the team’s leading scorer with eight goals during that period. Sabres coach Don Granato expressed concern for Okposo’s well-being but also praised his recent performances, highlighting his competitiveness and leadership qualities, which have been crucial for the team’s improvement in terms of competitiveness and gritty play.
The news of Okposo’s injury comes at a time when the Sabres were finally able to field a fully healthy lineup for the first time this season. Zemgus Girgensons, who had been sidelined for 17 games due to a lower-body injury, made his return to the lineup against Ottawa. This game marked the first occasion in which the Sabres had all of their players available without any injuries sidelining them.