Mattias Samuelsson Nearing Return from Lower-Body Injury

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson could return to practice Wednesday as he recovers from a lower-body injury suffered early in the preseason, per head coach Lindy Ruff. Samuelsson is ahead of schedule from his initial week-to-week timetable and may only miss a handful of games. The 26-year-old blueliner is coming off a 2025-26 campaign featuring 13 goals, 41 points, 109 shots, 132 hits, and 154 blocked shots over 78 regular-season contests.