Middleton has been out since January 4th but will be back in the lineup on Tuesday. Middleton was playing well before getting hurt, scoring three goals with three assists (six points) in his last 16 games.
Middleton left Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury and did not return after being hit from behind by Givani Smith. Marc-Edouard Vlasic will replace him in Buffalo.
Middleton was hurt in the first period of Tuesday's loss in Detroit after being hit from behind by Givani Smith. Smith was given a game misconduct for the hit but it looks like it could cost Middleton more time. Mario Ferraro will be back in the lineup on Thursday and would be Middleton's replacement if he's unavailable.
Middleton has missed the last six games while on the COVID-19 reserve list but should be back in the lineup on Saturday. With Middleton back, Artemi Kniazev was reassigned to the AHL.
Middleton sat out of the season opener but will make his season debut in the rematch on Saturday afternoon. Middleton, who had two assists in 10 games last year, will replace Nicolas Meloche and skate with Nikolai Knyzhov on the third pair.
Middleton suffered a lower-body injury vs. the Penguins on Saturday and will miss at least a couple of weeks. Head coach Bob Boughner said that Middleton might be able to return before the end of the regular season.
Middleton was set to start the season in the AHL but an injury to Dalton Prout has opened up a roster spot for Middleton to be recalled. He had one assist in three NHL games last season and added 19 points (5G / 14A) in 57 AHL contests.
With Justin Braun heading to IR, Middleton could make his NHL debut on Saturday. The former seventh-round pick has 12 points (2G / 10A) in 26 games with the Barracuda this season.
