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Buffalo Gets Sam Carrick Back After 12-Game Injury

5/6/2026

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Summary

Carrick Returns

Sam Carrick returned to the ice on May 5 after being cleared from a freak accident on March 31.
He missed 12 games, with doctors estimating a four-to-eight-week recovery period.
The Rangers traded Carrick to Buffalo on March 6 for a 2026 third- and sixth-round pick.
Coach Lindy Ruff said Carrick could boost faceoffs and penalty killing.
Ruff noted Carrick is on pace for 44 points while missing Game 1 versus Montreal.

Summary

Carrick Practices

Sam Carrick returned to a Sabres practice on Tuesday, five weeks after his left-arm injury.
After taking line rushes with forwards Tanner Pearson and Josh Dunne, Coach Lindy Ruff said Carrick’s fitness is good, his return to be decided day-to-day.
Buffalo will keep line combinations from Game 6 of the Boston series for Game 1 vs Montreal.
Alex Lyon will start in net while Logan Stanley returns to the third defensive pairing.

Summary

Carrick Recovering

Jack Carrick injured his arm after wrenching it in a March 31 fight with Islanders captain Anders Lee.
Buffalo entered the series ranked last among playoff teams, winning only 43.8% of its faceoffs.
Since joining the Sabres, Carrick has taken 143 faceoffs and won 82, boosting defensive zone.
Coach Lindy Ruff said Carrick will be cleared to practice soon and could play soon as the Sabres open Montreal series with Game 1 Wednesday.

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Carrick Returns

Sam Carrick returned to the ice on May 5 after being cleared from a freak accident on March 31.
He missed 12 games, with doctors estimating a four-to-eight-week recovery period.
The Rangers traded Carrick to Buffalo on March 6 for a 2026 third- and sixth-round pick.
Coach Lindy Ruff said Carrick could boost faceoffs and penalty killing.
Ruff noted Carrick is on pace for 44 points while missing Game 1 versus Montreal.

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