McLeod's IR stint expected to be short-term

SEATTLE – Ryan McLeod’s absence from the Buffalo Sabres' lineup is expected to be short-term, coach Lindy Ruff said following practice at Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday.

McLeod was placed on injured reserve on Saturday and is required to miss a minimum of seven days from his most recent game played, which was Friday night against Pittsburgh. His upper-body injury stems from a hit that occurred in practice on Thursday.

“I know we got him on IR, but expect him back by the end of the week,” Ruff said.

The Sabres utilized McLeod’s open roster spot by recalling goaltender Devon Levi, who joined the team for practice in Seattle. Levi practiced in the visitor’s net while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and James Reimer split repetitions at the other end.

Ruff said Luukkonen, who has started the last five games, is dealing with nagging ailments – stemming at least partially from a collision with Evgeni Malkin during the loss to Pittsburgh on Friday.

“UPL will be good,” Ruff said. “It might not be tomorrow.”

Buffalo opens its four-game road trip against Seattle on Monday afternoon.

Here’s more from Friday’s practice.

Sunday's practice lines

News and notes

1. McLeod had spent the last four games in an elevated role due to the absence of Jiri Kulich, who was out with a lower-body injury. Kulich was a full participant in practice on Sunday, assuming McLeod’s spot at center between Jason Zucker and Tage Thompson.

Kulich has nine points (7+2) this season, seven of which had come in the 14 games prior to his injury.

“I think Jiri has really played well and has really skated well, broke the puck well out of his own zone,” Ruff said. “And now he’s finding people around him. It’s a little bit like playing with McLeod, a guy with real good speed and he’s been defending well.”

2. Levi is 12-3-2 with a .913 save percentage with Rochester this season. He was named to the AHL All-Star Classic along with fellow Sabres prospect Isak Rosen on Jan. 8.

“Young goaltenders need games, and he’s got a lot of games,” Ruff said. “He’s played very well for their club. Get another look at him here and go from there.”

Up next

The Sabres visit the Kraken on Monday afternoon. Coverage on MSG begins at 3:30 p.m. with puck drop scheduled for 4.