Sabres' Sam Carrick Out Week-to-Week with Arm Injury, Josh Dunne Set to Play

Carrick's physical style of play led to the injury, but the Sabres have options to replace him as they push for the playoffs.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:52pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, with blurred, overlapping figures representing the intensity of a hockey fight, conveying the emotional impact of the Sabres' injury loss.A visceral depiction of the physical toll hockey players endure, as the Sabres cope with an injury to a key depth contributor.Today in Nashville

Buffalo Sabres center Sam Carrick will be out week-to-week after suffering an arm injury in a fight with New York Islanders captain Anders Lee. Carrick, who had made an immediate impact since being acquired at the trade deadline, is a key part of the Sabres' fourth line. Coach Lindy Ruff said they haven't ruled out Carrick returning for the playoffs, but in the meantime, Josh Dunne is expected to step in and play between wingers Jordan Greenway and Beck Malenstyn.

Why it matters

Carrick's injury is a significant loss for the Sabres as they try to end their 14-year playoff drought. He had been providing valuable depth, faceoff wins, and physical play on the fourth line. The Sabres will need others to step up in his absence as they make a final push for the postseason.

The details

Carrick, 34, suffered the arm injury when he fell hard to the ice during a fight with Islanders captain Anders Lee on Tuesday. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said Carrick is week-to-week, but they haven't ruled out a return for the playoffs which begin on April 18 and 19. In Carrick's absence, center Josh Dunne is expected to replace him, skating between wingers Jordan Greenway and Beck Malenstyn. The Sabres also have Tyson Kozak and Tanner Pearson as extra forward options.

  • Carrick was injured in the Sabres' 4-3 win over the Islanders on Tuesday.
  • The Sabres can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Senators on Monday.

The players

Sam Carrick

A 34-year-old center who the Sabres acquired at the trade deadline and quickly established himself as a key part of their fourth line, winning faceoffs and providing physical play.

Josh Dunne

A Sabres forward who hasn't played since March 5 but is expected to replace Carrick in the lineup, skating between wingers Jordan Greenway and Beck Malenstyn.

Lindy Ruff

The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres.

Anders Lee

The captain of the New York Islanders, who fought with Carrick in the game where Carrick was injured.

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What they’re saying

“It's going to be some time.”

— Lindy Ruff, Sabres Head Coach

“He really played well for us. He had found a real good role. We were looking at him helping with faceoffs. That fourth line was scoring important goals. It's a loss, but you've got to have somebody step in.”

— Lindy Ruff, Sabres Head Coach

What’s next

The Sabres can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Senators on Monday.

The takeaway

Carrick's physical style of play and willingness to drop the gloves proved costly, as his arm injury is a significant blow to the Sabres' depth as they push for the playoffs. However, the team has options to replace him, and they'll need others to step up in his absence to end their long playoff drought.