Injuries and transactions | Latest on Norris, Benson, Greenway, Timmins

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Feb. 5 – Helenius, Rosen, Metsa to Rochester

The Sabres loaned forwards Konsta Helenius and Isak Rosen and defenseman Zach Metsa to the Rochester Americans (AHL) following Thursday’s loss.

This will allow the three players to continue playing for the Amerks while the NHL takes a three-week break for The Winter Olympics.

Feb. 5 – Morning skate updates on Norris, Benson, Greenway, Timmins

Coach Lindy Ruff provided updates on forwards Josh Norris, Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway, as well as defenseman Conor Timmins, at Thursday’s morning skate.

Norris (upper body) is “just not quite ready” to play Thursday, but Ruff “would fully anticipate, after the Olympic break, he’ll be good.”

Benson (upper body) will miss a second straight game after crashing into the boards Monday at Florida, but his injury isn’t expected to be serious.

“I got a good report on [Benson],” Ruff said. “He should be back after the break, too.”

Greenway (middle body) saw a doctor for his nagging injury, and the team is still evaluating their options – including another surgery.

Timmins (broken leg) is still using crutches seven weeks after his injury. He’s unlikely to play right after the break, but Ruff said he might be skating at that point.

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Injury report

Zach Benson, F (upper body) – Out since Feb. 2

Benson exited the Feb. 2 win in Florida after crashing into the end boards. He's missing the last two games before the Olympic break but is expected to be ready when the team returns later this month. - Last updated Feb. 5

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G (lower body) – Out since Jan. 27

Luukkonen exited the Jan. 27 win in Toronto with a lower-body injury, and he'll miss the upcoming Winter Olympics as a result of the injury. Luukkonen is currently on injured reserve, but coach Lindy Ruff said the injury is "nothing serious." - Last updated Feb. 5

Josh Norris, F (upper body) – Out since Jan. 14

Norris exited the Jan. 14 win after a cross check to the ribs. He was placed on injured reserve Jan. 19 and resumed skating with the team Jan. 31. Coach Lindy Ruff "would fully anticipate, after the (Olympic) break, he’ll be good.” - Last updated Feb. 5

Josh Dunne, F (middle body) – Out since Jan. 12

Dunne had been playing/practicing through an injury that will sideline him for 4-6 weeks, coach Lindy Ruff estimated on Jan. 14. He was placed on injured reserve Jan. 15. - Last updated Jan. 15

Conor Timmins, D (broken leg) – Out since Dec. 18

Timmins left the Sabres’ win over the Flyers on Dec. 18 late during the third period with a broken leg. He is expected to be skating but not yet playing after the Olympic break. - Last updated Feb. 5

Jiri Kulich, F (blood clot) – Out since Nov. 1

Kulich missed the team’s game on Nov. 1 due to an issue related to fluid in his ears. Coach Lindy Ruff announced on Nov. 10 that the issue was discovered to be related to a blood clot and that it would cause the forward to miss “significant time.” Jarmo Kekäläinen had no update on Kulich when asked Dec. 23, but the GM said he "certainly hopes" he'll play again this season. Kulich began skating on his own and shooting some pucks in January. - Last updated Jan. 28

Justin Danforth, F (lower body) – Out since Oct. 15

Danforth exited the Oct. 15 win with a lower-body injury - later announced to be a broken kneecap - after blocking a shot. He had surgery to repair the injury and "is doing OK now," coach Lindy Ruff said when asked about Danforth's status on Dec. 17. Danforth began taking "preliminary" skates in early January, Ruff said, and he could be back with the team coming out of the Olympic break. - Last updated Jan. 26