Sabres to start season without Eichel, Okposo, Kulikov

Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma describes the Jack Eichel ankle injury from practice, doesn't have an update, but says whenever you're watching a key player go down, it's not good.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Aside from missing top-line centre Jack Eichel, the Buffalo Sabres will open the season without their two top off-season additions, forward Kyle Okposo and defenceman Dmitry Kulikov.

Coach Dan Bylsma provided the update Thursday, before Buffalo hosts Montreal.

Okposo is still nursing a sore knee after being hit by a puck in practice. Bylsma said there’s a good chance he could play at Edmonton on Sunday, when the Sabres open a four-game road trip.

Kulikov is scratched after hurting his back during a preseason game two weeks ago.

Buffalo signed Okposo to a six-year contract in free agency and acquired Kulikov in a trade with Florida in June.

As for Eichel, Bylsma said the second-year star will miss "weeks and not days" after spraining his ankle in practice Wednesday.

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