Buffalo Sabres: When will Zach Bogosian actually return to action?

While the Buffalo Sabres are off to a decent start this season, the return of blue-liner Zach Bogosian would only make them better.

The Buffalo Sabres are off to an encouraging start this season. Yes, we’re only three games into the 2018-19 campaign, but two wins have given fans (cautious) optimism for the months ahead.

Jack Eichel has embraced his role as captain, Carter Hutton has added stability between the pipes and Kyle Okposo appears to be slowly returning to his previous form. If Conor Sheary can build on his intriguing start to the season and Rasmus Dahlin continues to grow, the Sabres could — say it quietly — conceivably become a realistic challenger for a playoff spot.

What will also help is if Zach Bogosian can return to action and — more importantly — remain healthy. The question is, when will the first half of this scenario become a reality?

If nothing else, there was a positive step towards Bogosian playing again on Wednesday, when he took part in practice at Harborcenter. It represented the first time he had skated since Sept. 25, when he suffered a lower body injury during the preseason.

More from Buffalo Sabres

• Buffalo Sabres and Victor Olofsson making progress on contract extension
• Buffalo Sabres still need goaltender help despite re-signing Anderson
• Buffalo Sabres: Time to close book on the Jack Eichel chapter
• Buffalo Sabres receiving interest in members of defensive core
• Buffalo Sabres focused on youth during another disastrous season

Understandably this was frustrating for both the player and the team. The blue-liner had only returned to playing on Sept. 22, after being out since January due to undergoing season-ending hip surgery.

In any event, it was just good for everyone concerned, to see Bogosian back on the ice. The question remains, however, as to when he will actually return to game action?

As you’d expect, the 28-year-old was asked about this following practice. As reported by Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News, he said:

"“I’d like to get a few team practices in. I’ve been skating on my own, with Dennis Miller in the rehab skates. I’d like to get a few team practices in before I jump into the games. There are a lot of factors that go into it. Obviously, today was a step in the right direction, but I’m not ready to play again yet. Try to make sure we’re being smart about it.”"

The level of caution being administered by Bogosian and the Sabres may be frustrating for some fans, but is entirely understandable. No chances can be taken with a player who has seen his number of games drop in each of the three full seasons he’s played in Western New York.

The Massena, New York’s first full campaign in Buffalo was encouraging enough, as he played 64 times and recorded the second-most points of his 10-year NHL career. Now contrast that with last season, when he was limited to career-lows of 18 games and just one point.

Interestingly, even allowing for the often vague nature of NHL injuries, Bogosian had no desire to discuss what actually happened on the most recent occasions. Again reported by Lenzi, he said:

"“I’m not getting into that. Everyone’s going to speculate. Left side, right side, hip surgery, non-hip surgery. I was out and I’m making my way back.”"

In truth, it doesn’t matter anyway. All that’s really important, is that Bogosian actually returns and then stays.

You can appreciate why the Sabres will do everything possible to give the defenseman the best possible chance to return at optimum fitness. He has excellent mobility, is physical and an all-around talented two-way player.

This is why Bogosian was selected third overall by the then Atlanta Thrashers in the 2008 NHL draft; he has so much to offer. If he can stay healthy when he returns, his confidence and form will grow and the Buffalo Sabres will have yet another reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead this season.

When Bogosian finally returns, do you expect him to have a positive influence on the Buffalo Sabres? Or are you anticipating further injury issues for the defenseman? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.