Cozens returns to practice, expected to play Sunday in Philly

Dylan Cozens returned to practice with the Sabres on Saturday and could be back in the lineup in Philadelphia on Sunday, interim head coach Don Granato announced.
Cozens has missed the past six games after sustaining an upper-body injury while being checked into the boards by Flyers defenseman Philippe Myers on March 29. Granato said the team has been pleasantly surprised by his quick recovery.
"This was sprung on us just a couple of days ago, how fast he responded to day-to-day tests as they elevated the tests on him. And today was a practice to feel where he's at with respect to playing.
"I have not talked to the medical team. But going into practice, [playing Sunday] was a definite possibility. He came out of practice looking great. So, unless I hear differently, it looks like there's a probability of him being in the lineup."

The injury was the latest in a series of setbacks for the 20-year-old rookie, who was one of eight Sabres players to test positive for COVID-19 in February (though he remained asymptomatic). He then missed four games with a separate upper-body injury in March.
"I was definitely frustrated," Cozens said. "As soon as I got hit, I knew something was up. And so just coming back obviously from my last injury, I was frustrated to know I was gonna miss time, gonna miss games. It's obviously been a tough stretch for me lately with COVID and then the other two injuries but I'm just happy to be back out on the ice again."
Cozens has six points (4+2) in 25 games this season. Granato suggested Friday that the current plan is to keep the rookie at center down the stretch after he began the season on the wing.
"I was very happy with where my game was at and where it was headed (at the time of the injury)," Cozens said.
"Being able to play the middle, I was excited about that and just excited to be back out playing again after my first injury. So, I was very disappointed to have to leave again. But now I'm back and hopefully I can stay the rest of the year."

Montour departs for Florida

Brandon Montour said goodbye to teammates as practice wrapped up after being sent to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Montour is the second pending unrestricted free agent to be traded in advance of the April 12 trade deadline, following the deal that saw the Sabres acquire a third-round pick from Montreal in exchange for Eric Staal last month. Taylor Hall has sat out the past two games and will sit out again Sunday as the team explores potential trades.
Granato spoke highly of his experience with Montour, who tallied nine points (4+5) in his final 13 games with the Sabres.
"He was a lot of fun to be around," Granato said. "He's competitive. Brings a lot of energy, a lot of life. … He's a high-character guy. So, we knew this was a possibility, obviously, his contract status and where we're at. No surprise for the players and the guys.
"Through this, Brandon was incredible. He played hard last night. He kept this out of his mind when the puck dropped. I say that even in practice and the meetings, he was a true pro, and is a true pro. Of course, you don't like losing guys like that, but we all understand and it's part of our game."

Saturday's practice

Colin Miller took a maintenance day but is expected to be in the lineup Sunday, Granato said.
Jean-Sebastien Dea joined the team for practice after being reassigned from Rochester to the taxi squad. Steven Fogarty was assigned to Rochester in a corresponding move.