The Buffalo Sabres are on a winning streak, having secured 18 victories in their last 22 games. Despite the recent setback of losing center Josh Norris, who suffered a rib injury on January 14, the team remains optimistic. Norris, a pivotal player, is showing signs of recovery and is expected to return to the ice soon, as confirmed by Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff. The team's other concern is the status of blueliner Jacob Bryson, who was placed on IR on January 23 but is also expected to be available for play on a day-to-day basis.
The Sabres' star player, Tage Thompson, has been a consistent force, but Norris has also been a valuable asset this season. The 26-year-old Norris has accumulated 17 points in 19 games, including a remarkable stretch in early December where he scored seven points in just four games. His acquisition last season, which involved trading pivot Dylan Cozens and a second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators, was a strategic move by the Sabres. They took on Norris' substantial $7.95MM AAV contract, which will run through the end of the decade. While Norris has only played 22 games as a Sabre, his health and performance will be crucial to the team's success moving forward.
In other hockey news, the San Jose Sharks' 2025 first-round pick, Joshua Ravensbergen, has made a significant decision. He will leave the CHL to play NCAA hockey for Michigan State University next season, as reported by ESPN's Kevin Weekes. Ravensbergen, a top goalie prospect, will join the WHL's Prince George Cougars in college rather than turning pro. The 19-year-old Ravensbergen, who will turn 20 in November, would have been eligible to play in the AHL or ECHL after signing his ELC. However, he has chosen to follow in the footsteps of Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine, who is also developing as a top young goalie with the Spartans. This move suggests that Augustine will likely turn pro after three seasons at Michigan State, where he was the top goalie last year with a .938 save percentage in 17 contests in 2025-26.
Additionally, Puckpedia has outlined the NHL's roster restrictions for the upcoming Olympic break, which will take place in Italy. During the roster freeze, which begins in the afternoon of February 4 and ends on February 23, no trades are permitted. Players who are waivers-exempt can only be sent down if they have not played in 16 of the team's 20 NHL games before the freeze or have been on the NHL roster for 80 league days before January 21. Puckpedia also noted that players can be placed on waivers during the freeze, but if waived after the team's final game before the freeze, they won't need to report until February 17. These rules will likely influence the transactions made in the days leading up to the freeze, as teams position themselves and their prospects for the schedule break.
