BUFFALO — It looks like Tyson Kozak’s rookie season with the Buffalo Sabres may be over.
Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Friday that Kozak will be sidelined week-to-week due to a hip strain. The injury forced him to leave Tuesday’s 5-2 win over the Ottawa Senators. With only eight games remaining in the season, the Sabres are running out of time for Kozak’s return.
“We’re running out of time for him,” Ruff stated after Friday’s practice at LECOM Harborcenter. “So there’s a good chance he won’t play.”
In the meantime, the Sabres recalled Noah Ostlund, the team’s top prospect, from the Rochester Americans. Ostlund, 21, has been on fire, scoring in six consecutive games for the Amerks.
Though Kozak may be done for the regular season, there’s hope he could return in time for the Calder Cup Playoffs, as the Amerks clinched their playoff spot on Wednesday.
“We’re looking at week-to-week, which means he’s likely ready for that,” Ruff said.
Kozak has contributed three goals and five points in 21 NHL games this season, alongside eight goals and 14 points in 31 games with the Amerks.
In other injury news, Ruff provided an update on Josh Norris, who has been sidelined for 10 games due to a mid-body injury. Norris skated alone on Friday morning, and the Sabres are hopeful for his return. Winger Jordan Greenway, out for five games with a lower-body injury, is also progressing.
