The Sabres have recalled Devon Levi, likely to serve as backup to Eric Comrie, while Luukkonen is unable to suit up due to an illness. Luukkonen has unquestionably been the most dynamic and consistent of the three Sabres goaltenders this season, with seven quality starts through 11 games (.636 QS %). Expect Luukkonen to regain command of the starters as soon as he recovers.
Thompson is expected to make his much awaited return Tuesday after taking full part in practice earlier. His presence at morning skate on Tuesday is a welcoming sign for a Sabres' team that has struggled to generate consistent offence in his absence. Thompson last played on November 14th and was not having the season the elite centre iceman was expecting after a breakout 2022-23 campaign, scoring only 12 points (6G / 6A) through 16 games.
Tuch exited Sunday's game against the Nashville Predators after playing 16:19 time-on-ice with an undisclosed injury. A more detailed update should be provided for Tuch on Monday. The Sabres, already without Tage Thompson, Jack Quinn, and Jordan Greenway, can ill afford to lose Tuch, who has six points (3G / 3A) in his last six games.
Luukkonen will get the nod on Sunday after Eric Comrie got the start in Saturday's 6-2 defeat in Carolina. Luukkonen struggled his last time out, surrendering six goals on just 20 shots in a 6-4 loss at the hands of the Blues. The 24-year-old netminder has posted a .905 SV% and a 2.88 GAA to go along with his 6-4-1 record on the season.
Luukkonen has been a bright spot in an inconsistent season for the Sabres, as he will likely start for the second consecutive game on Thursday. With Devon Levi being sent down to the AHL, Luukkonen appears to be the favourite in the Sabres' goaltending tandem with him and Eric Comrie. Luukkonen is riding a three-game winning streak and has a sensational .942 SV% in his past five appearances (3-1-0). That said, the Sabres are still +112 road underdogs against the St. Louis Blues, who rank in the bottom third of the league offensively (2.86 GF / GP).
Aube-Kubel will return to the Capitals' lineup on Wednesday as Hendrix Lapierre will sit in the press box as a healthy scratch. Aube-Kubel has three points (1G / 2A) in six games this season but has been held off the scoresheet in his last four games. He has played almost exclusively this season on the fourth line with Nic Dowd and Beck Malenstyn.
Kulich made his NHL debut on Saturday, playing 14:53 time-on-ice, recording zero points, one shot on goal, and a -1 plus/minus. He has been reassigned to the Rochester Americans of the AHL as the Sabres have recalled Brandon Biro.
Greenway has missed the last two games for the Sabres tending to a personal matter but will return to the lineup on Thursday against the St. Louis Blues. Through 19 games this season, Greenway has six points (2G / 4A), 19 penalty minutes, and 28 hits while averaging a career-high 17:08 time-on-ice. He has spent the majority of the season partnered with centerman Casey Mittelstadt.
With Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (.918 SV%) playing so well and Eric Comrie locking down the backup spot, Devon Levi has been loaned to Rochester (AHL) for more game action. The 21-year-old struggled through injuries so far this season with his 3-4-1 record, 3.73 GAA and .876 SV%. He will head to Rochester for the first time in his career after making the immediate leap to the NHL from the NCAA near the end of 2022-23.
Kulich is set to sit on Monday as the Sabres appear to be opting to dress seven defensemen against the Rangers. The 2022 first-round pick has played just one game this season, registering no points and one shot on goal.
Samuelsson only played 6:27 on Saturday after leaving the game with an upper-body injury and was a game-time decision for the Sabres on Monday. Samuelsson has three points (1G / 2A), averaging 19:27 time-on-ice through 18 games this season.
Aube-Kubel is expected to be a healthy scratch on Monday, allowing Anthony Mantha to remain in the lineup. Aube-Kubel played six games straight, scoring three points (1G / 2A) and 13 hits while averaging nearly 13 minutes time-on-ice.
