Sabres' Sam Carrick to miss time with arm injury, playoff return possible

Buffalo forward Sam Carrick is week-to-week with a left arm injury sustained in a fight, but could return for the playoffs.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:58am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting the shapes and planes of hockey players engaged in a physical confrontation, with no recognizable features or identities, conveying the intensity and emotion of the moment.A cubist interpretation of the altercation between Sabres' Sam Carrick and Islanders' Anders Lee, capturing the raw physicality and chaos of the on-ice collision.NYC Today

The Buffalo Sabres will be without forward Sam Carrick for the immediate future after he sustained a left arm injury during a fight with Anders Lee in Tuesday's game against the New York Islanders. Carrick is considered week-to-week, but has not been ruled out for the playoffs with less than two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Why it matters

Carrick has been an important addition to the Sabres' fourth line since being acquired from the New York Rangers in March, boosting their faceoff efficiency and physical play. His absence could impact Buffalo's depth and special teams as they push for their first playoff berth in 14 years.

The details

Carrick, 34, suffered the injury when his left arm became awkwardly tied up as he was taken down during the altercation with Lee. He required assistance leaving the ice. In 13 games with the Sabres, Carrick has recorded six points (five goals, one assist) while averaging 9:25 of ice time. With Carrick out, Josh Dunne is expected to fill the fourth-line role.

  • Carrick sustained the injury during Tuesday's 4-3 win over the New York Islanders.
  • The Sabres have less than two weeks remaining in the regular season.

The players

Sam Carrick

A 34-year-old forward for the Buffalo Sabres who was recently acquired from the New York Rangers. He has been an important addition to the Sabres' fourth line, boosting their faceoff efficiency and physical play.

Anders Lee

The captain of the New York Islanders, who was involved in the altercation with Carrick that led to the latter's injury.

Josh Norris

A Buffalo Sabres forward who was knocked out of the game briefly due to a hard check from Anders Lee, which led to the fight between Carrick and Lee.

Josh Dunne

A Buffalo Sabres forward who is expected to fill Carrick's role on the fourth line while he is out with the injury.

Lindy Ruff

The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, who confirmed Carrick's injury and week-to-week status.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Sabres will be without forward Sam Carrick for the immediate future after head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Thursday that the veteran center is week-to-week with a left arm injury, but hasn't been ruled out for the playoffs, with less than two weeks remaining in the regular season.”

— Abdullah Imran, Author

What’s next

The Sabres can clinch a playoff berth on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators, ending a potential 14-year postseason drought. Carrick's status for the playoffs remains uncertain, but the team is hopeful he can return in time.

The takeaway

Carrick's injury is a setback for the Sabres as they push for their first playoff appearance in over a decade, but the team's depth and faceoff ability could help mitigate his absence. The focus now shifts to Carrick's recovery and the Sabres' quest to end their long postseason drought.