Matt Irwin could draw into the lineup in what would be his Sabres debut should Jokiharju have to miss the game. Irwin has remained on the active roster as the seventh defenseman since the start of the regular season, a role he played in seasons past as part of a talented defense corps in Nashville.
"I've learned to embrace that role," he said. "It's a challenge to stay ready, obviously. You want to stay ready and you have to stay ready, that's your job. So, you treat practices like they're your games. You work hard and you try to stay detailed in everything you do."
The Sabres cited Irwin's professionalism and understanding of his role as one reason they brought him in on a one-year contract during the offseason. Irwin entered the NHL as an offensively minded defenseman with San Jose but had to accept a different job in Nashville. Sometimes, he said, it was as simple as eating minutes and biding time for All-Star talents like Roman Josi and P.K. Subban to catch their breath.
Krueger said that team-oriented mindset has been apparent through the first month of the season.
"First and foremost, he's an unbelievable pro and a positive spirit in our room," Krueger said. "He brings so much energy into meetings, into the off-ice, into the on-ice in practice.
"He's got good feet, he's quicker than we actually expected, makes good reads, and if he does come in tonight, we would be pleased for him. He's very well deserved to see a game and we feel comfortable if Matty's the guy who comes in tonight."