Olen Zellweger's stint with the Buffalo Sabres is off to an unfortunate start.
The defenceman suffered a concussion Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters after the game.
The incident happened late in the second period when Zellweger was on the receiving end of a bruising hit from Blue Jackets defenceman Carson Soucy. Zellweger remained on the ice, appearing to be in pain, before he was helped to the Sabres dressing room.
The 23-year-old Calgary native was acquired by the Sabres from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a second-round pick ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft.
In 164 NHL games, Zellweger has 16 goals and 51 points, including career-highs in assists (15), points (22) and games played (76) last season.
The Sabres also went down another defenceman as Mattias Samuelsson exited early after blocking a shot.
Ruff had no immediate update on Samuelsson, but said the 26-year-old will undergo further evaluation.
The Philadelphia native had 13 goals and 41 points in 78 games for Buffalo last season, adding seven points in 13 playoff games.
The Sabres will have the opportunity to exact regular-season revenge as they open their season against the Blue Jackets on Oct. 1.
