The Buffalo Sabres have recalled forward C.J. Smith from the AHL’s Rochester Americans, ahead of their final game of the 2018 calendar year. The Sabres host the New York Islanders for a 6 p.m. puck drop Monday night.
Smith, 24, is tied for the Amerks’ lead in points scoring, with 29 points (13-16) in 33 games. He’s put up 10 points in his last 11 games and is also tied for third in the AHL with 108 shots on goal this season so far.
On Sunday, the Sabres returned goaltender Scott Wedgewood to the Amerks, with Linus Ullmark back in practice after an illness. With Wedgewood being sent down, a roster spot on the NHL squad opened up, allowing the Sabres to recall Smith.
If he plays tonight, it will be Smith’s first NHL game since April 3, 2017.
He has appeared in just two NHL games in his young career – including one against the New York Islanders. He made his debut against the Isles on April 2, 2017, registering one assist and two shots on goal in 9:57 ice time.