Bad news comes in threes.
Last week, feisty Finn defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen told a publication in his native Finland that his recent bout with the COVID-19 infection caused him to feel intense pains in his heart and intensely negative symptoms. Though he has been taken off the NHL COVID protocols list, there is no timetable for Ristolainen’s return to action. has left him depleted of all strength.
On Monday, the Buffalo Sabres announced that veteran defenseman Jake McCabe would be lost for the next 6-8 months after having surgery to repair ACL, MCL and meniscus damage in his right knee.
Today, the Sabres placed defenseman Will Borgen on long term injured reserve.
The Sabres have announced that Borgen will be lost to the Sabres for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fracture in his right forearm. Borgen, a player that was earning a larger role on the Buffalo blue line was expected to play a larger role as a result of the McCabe injury.
Borgen used his right arm to protect his face while blocking a shot in Saturday afternoon’s 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils. At first glance, Borgen’s injury appeared to be a short term set back. Borgen sat out Monday night’s 3-2 loss to the NY Islanders.
A more extensive evaluation revealed a fracture in Borgen’s right arm.
After beginning the season on the taxi squad, the truculent Borgen impressed the Sabres so much he played four straight games after Buffalo returned from the NHL mandated COVID quarantine of two weeks. On Saturday in Newark, Ralph Kruger scratched struggling youngster Henri Jokiharju, an incumbent top six defenseman, to allow Borgen to play.
Not that long ago, Buffalo's defense corps depth was a distinct strength for the Sabres. Today, the depth has been depleted. The Sabres' blue line is a mess after the injuries to Borgen adn McCabe and the uncertainty associated with Ristolainen's return to play from his COVID diagnosis. defense group is looking thin right now as Borgen joins Jake McCabe and Rasmus
At this moment, here is Buffalo's defense depth chart:
Rasmus Dahlin - RD
Colin Miller- LD
Matt Irwin- RD
Brandon Montour- RD/LD
Brandon Davidson- LD
Henri Jokiharju- RD
Taxi Squad:
Jacob Bryson- LD
Casey Fitzgerald- RD
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is going to have to trade a forward to secure a veteran left defenseman.
The Sabres have called up defenseman Jacob Bryson and forward Rasmus Asplund from their taxi squad. Bryson will make his NHL debut tonight.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
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