The Buffalo Sabres made several roster moves on Monday as they prepared for a three-game road trip in California, which begins Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Kings. Forward Isak Rosen has been recalled from the Rochester Americans, while goaltender Devon Levi has been assigned to Rochester.
Devon Levi Assigned to Rochester
Devon Levi, 22, will rejoin the Rochester Americans to gain more consistent playing time after appearing in seven of Buffalo’s first 18 games this season. Levi excelled in the AHL last season, leading all qualified goaltenders with a .927 save percentage.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who has missed the last two games due to an undisclosed injury, is set to return to the lineup Wednesday in Los Angeles. Luukkonen will share goaltending duties with James Reimer, who was claimed off waivers from Anaheim last week.
Isak Rosen Joins the Sabres
Rosen, 21, leads the Amerks with 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 14 games this season and will bolster a Sabres forward group missing several key players. The 2021 first-round pick played seven games for Buffalo last season and has shown significant growth in his game.
His recall comes in response to the absence of Jordan Greenway, who is considered week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. Greenway had been playing through the issue before it forced him to leave practice early on Friday.
Injury Updates
In addition to Greenway, the Sabres are monitoring the status of several other key players:
- Tage Thompson (F): Day-to-day with a lower-body injury sustained on Nov. 11. Thompson practiced Monday and has not been ruled out for Wednesday’s game in Los Angeles.
- Alex Tuch (F): Also day-to-day, Tuch did not practice Monday and remains questionable for the upcoming game.
- Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G): Cleared to return after missing two games due to an undisclosed injury.
- Mattias Samuelsson (D): Out long-term with a lower-body injury sustained during a net-front collision on Nov. 11. Surgery is not required, and Samuelsson is expected to return later this season.
Jiri Kulich’s Impact
The roster moves follow the team’s recall of forward Jiri Kulich on Nov. 16. Kulich, a 2022 first-round pick, opened the season with the Sabres before returning to Rochester, where he scored two goals and added an assist in four games. The 20-year-old has shown significant improvement in his overall game, building on a strong start to his professional career.
Looking Ahead
The Sabres will look to bounce back as they embark on their California trip, beginning Wednesday in Los Angeles. With young talent stepping up and veteran players recovering from injuries, this stretch offers a pivotal opportunity for the team to regain momentum.
Next Game: Buffalo Sabres at Los Angeles Kings – Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. ET
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