Injuries and transactions | Sabres acquire defenseman Bayreuther

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Jan. 24 – Sabres acquire Bayreuther from Hurricanes

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired defenseman Gavin Bayreuther from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Viktor Neuchev.

Bayreuther, a left-shot defenseman, has 13 points (4+9) in 33 games this season with Carolina’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. He will be assigned to Rochester.

The 31-year-old has played 122 career NHL games for Dallas and Columbus. He was signed to the Blue Jackets by current Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen prior to the 2020-21 season.

Neuchev, 22, was a third-round draft pick by the Sabres in 2022. He has 16 points (6+10) in 34 games this season with Rochester.

Jan. 23 – Jones recalled from Rochester, Bryson placed on IR

The Sabres recalled defenseman Zac Jones from the Rochester Americans (AHL) on Friday. With Jacob Bryson (upper body) placed on injured reserve and expected to “miss some time,” per coach Lindy Ruff, Jones could potentially see some game action in his fifth NHL stint of the season.

Despite spending time with the Sabres, Jones is still tied for the lead among AHL defensemen with 37 points (6+31).

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Injury report

Jacob Bryson, D (upper body) – Out since Jan. 22

Bryson exited the Jan. 22 win in Montreal and was placed on injured reserve the next day. He's "going to miss some time," per coach Lindy Ruff. - Last updated Jan. 23

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 but could return to the lineup as soon as this week, coach Lindy Ruff said. - Last updated Jan. 19

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 miss six to eight weeks and was placed on injured reserve Dec. 20. - Last updated Dec. 20

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. - Last updated Dec. 23

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. - Last updated Jan. 5