Thomas Vanek has been the engine behind much of the Sabres offense this season, and as per usual, he’s suffered the slings and arrows that come from camping in front of the net night after night. Yesterday he was given a day off of practice, in what the Sabres dubbed a maintenance day.
The Sabres also put Jordan Leopold on Injured Reserve, but rather than calling up another defenseman, such as Brayden McNabb, they recalled rookie forward Brian Flynn.
Speculation began that Flynn’s promotion might mean that Vanek could sit out today’s afternoon game against the New Jersey Devils. That would certainly be a big blow to the Sabres recently meager offense, even though Vanek has struggled as of late.
Flynn has performed well this season in Rochester, with 16 each of goals and assists, ranking 10th in both categories among AHL rookies. Ron Rolston is obviously familiar with the skills of the 24-year old, but it remains to be seen whether Flynn, Vanek, or both will play.
We’ll find out this afternoon.