Sam Carrick’s Anticipated Return Could Bolster Sabres in Second Round

The Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of a significant boost as veteran center Sam Carrick approaches a return just in time for their second-round playoff clash against the Montreal Canadiens. Carrick rejoined the team for practice at KeyBank Center on Tuesday, marking his first full session since suffering a left arm injury during a fight with Anders Lee of the New York Islanders on March 31.

Initially projected to be sidelined for four to eight weeks, Carrick’s recovery timeline is progressing well as he hit the five-week mark since the injury. While he skated in a reserve role alongside extra forwards Tanner Pearson and Josh Dunne during line rushes, indications suggest that his return is imminent. “He’s out there right now getting some contact, and his fitness levels are good, everything. His return to play (plan), he’s worked really hard to be ready,” said head coach Lindy Ruff. “So, it will be just a day-to-day decision on him now.”

For the moment, the Sabres appear set to maintain the same lineup that concluded their first-round series against the Boston Bruins in Game 6. Alex Lyon is expected to continue in goal, while Logan Stanley remains on the third defensive pairing.

At 34 years old and now skating for the fifth organization of his NHL career, Carrick expressed gratitude for Buffalo’s training and development staff, particularly assistant athletic trainer Michael Adesso and skating coach Mike Ansell, who have played crucial roles in his recovery. Although watching the postseason unfold from the sidelines was challenging, Carrick acknowledged the effort of his teammates. “Really figured [Boston] out after a few games, so credit to the guys,” he remarked. “It was stressful for me to watch, but they did a great job.”

After joining the Sabres from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline, Carrick made an immediate impact in Buffalo’s bottom six. In his debut against the Nashville Predators on March 7, he secured two vital late defensive-zone faceoff wins to help clinch a 3-2 victory. The following night, he contributed a key goal during an exhilarating 8-7 comeback win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

His contributions have extended beyond goal-scoring. Carrick boasted a team-best 57.3 percent faceoff rate across 13 games with Buffalo, including an impressive 60.3 percent in defensive situations. This right-handed presence down the middle is especially valuable as the Sabres look to diversify their lineup, having relied heavily on left-shot centers like Dunne and Tyson Kozak in the first round. This versatility could prove critical against a Montreal team that excelled in faceoff percentages during their opening series against Tampa Bay.

Offensively, Carrick found his stride post-trade, netting five goals in 13 games with Buffalo after scoring just four times in 60 games with New York. His resurgence included a two-goal effort against the San Jose Sharks and a game-winner in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings. “I think all the goals were probably a bonus,” Ruff commented, “but a real good bonus.”

Carrick quickly developed chemistry with winger Beck Malenstyn, with their on-ice synergy yielding impressive results. Together, they helped the Sabres outshoot opponents 62-33 and outscore them 8-2 during their 104 minutes of five-on-five play. “Sometimes things just gel good, and we were able to connect for a few goals, which helps the confidence, for sure,” Carrick noted. “I think we just play similar games. He can fly around, get in on the forecheck early, and I can play my game as a centerman where I’m trying to be in good spots for him.”

As the Sabres prepare for their series against Montreal, Carrick’s return is seen as a potential game-changer in a matchup where depth and possession will be crucial. Teammate Jason Zucker emphasized Carrick’s impact, stating, “It’s always tough, especially getting traded to a new team and then getting hurt. But he was a huge impact for us when he got here, and we’re looking forward to having him back whenever he’s ready.”

Additionally, the Sabres welcomed another young talent to practice on Tuesday, as 2024 first-round pick Konsta Helenius joined the team. Helenius, who recorded four points in a nine-game NHL stint earlier this season, has been a standout in Rochester with 63 points in his sophomore campaign. As the only extra forward regularly practicing with the team, his presence adds depth, especially with Noah Ostlund sidelined by a lower-body injury. While Helenius’s role may currently be limited, he could emerge as a valuable asset if the need arises later in the series.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.