When the puck drops on Wednesday night in Montreal, Tyler Ennis will have missed the past 13 games for the Buffalo Sabres.
Ennis hasn't played since he was placed on IR on December 31.
Ennis suffered his second upper body injury of the season when he was freight trained by Russian heat seeking Alex Ovechkin on December 30. Why Ennis decided to turn his back on Ovechkin at the last second before heavy impact is beyond me.
As of Monday February 1, there is no imminent return date for Ennis.
He has been listed as "week to week" and there has been no improvement to his condition.
I cannot tell you what his injury is or what the realistic timetable is for his return to action.
"Upper body" is the only explanation that the Sabres have offered.
Is it the head? Neck? Shoulder? Clavicle?
No idea.
Back on November 23, Ennis sustained an injury when he was plowed into the wall by St. Louis Blues D-man Robert Bortuzzo. Ennis did not finish that game and was placed on IR.
What's up with Tyler Ennis?
Your guess is as good as mine, I tell people.
Ennis as not been involved in team practices or games before the All Star break. He is working out off the ice on his own, however, hasn’t resumed skating.
On Monday afternoon, the Sabres skated at HARBORCenter. Dan Bylsma was asked about Ennis' status and gave a rather vague response:
“He is progressing, but, it’s not enough for him to get on the ice,… Bylsma said.
“I’d like to move him closer to week-to-week right now, but it’s not possible.…
We are now in February, the Sabres have played 50 games. Wednesday night in Montreal will mark Ennis' 28th missed gamed of the season (13 straight). The NHL trade deadline is now only four weeks away.
When healthy, Ennis is an intriguing player to many NHL GMs.
There are several teams who are looking to add a veteran top six scorer/play maker who is versatile enough to play center and wing on the top two lines. Ennis possesses straight line speed, lightning fast hands, shiftiness, vision, fearlessness and ability to score 20 or more goals a season. All rolled up into one package, Ennis is an attractive trade piece. He's a power play producer and a five on five dynamo. For some reason, he cannot stay healthy this season.
Before his injuries he scored only 3 goals and added 8 assists in 23 games played.
Ennis has three seasons remaining on his current deal at a $4.6 million AAV.
For months, Ennis has been linked in trade talks with the Anaheim Ducks. Bob Murray is looking to add a young scoring top six forward. the 26 year old Ennis fits the bill perfectly. Tim Murray is looking for a left shot D who can play top four TOI and command the power play. Cam Fowler and Hampus Lindholm fit that bill to a tee.
The Minnesota Wild are also looking to add more scoring and play making to their top six forward group. Ennis would vibe perfectly with former teammates Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville and the rest of the Wild skilled players. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher has a stockpile of skilled D including lefty Jonas Brodin.
When will Ennis return to game action?
Is Ennis nearing his return?
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Nic Deslauriers was a full participant in Monday's practice and is available for return this week.
Samson Reinhart slated Monday with the red "don't you dare touch me" sweater on. He may make his return to a full practice on Tuesday. If so, he might play Wednesday in Montreal or Thursday at home when Boston stops in Buffalo.
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Congrats to Jack Eichel for being named the NHL's Third Star of the Week.
The 19 year old virtuoso scored two goal and added two assists in two games played last week.
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