Zach Benson Injury Update: Will the Buffalo Sabres Winger Return Soon After Lower-Body Setback?

Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson’s injury recovery has hit a slow patch, and it’s becoming a worrying sign for the team. Head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that the winger, who was placed on injured reserve (IR) with a lower-body injury on October 31, is progressing—but “a little slower” than expected. The update comes as the Sabres face a mounting list of forward injuries that have disrupted their early-season chemistry.

Benson, 20, had been one of Buffalo’s brightest young stars to start the 2025–26 NHL season. After returning from an earlier facial injury that sidelined him for the first three games, he quickly made an impact with eight assists in eight appearances. But this latest setback means Buffalo will again be without one of its most dynamic playmakers at a time when scoring depth is already thin.

Buffalo’s Injury Crisis Deepens With Zach Benson Out

Head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters before Thursday’s game against the St. Louis Blues that he couldn’t give a clear timetable for Benson’s return. “He’s progressing, but it’s slower than I thought,” Ruff admitted, emphasizing that the team will continue to evaluate him day-to-day rather than rush him back. The Sabres had initially expected the young winger to return within a week or two, but those hopes have since faded.

Benson’s absence adds to a growing injury list that already includes Josh Norris, Jiri Kulich, Jason Zucker, Tyson Kozak, and Justin Danforth. While Kozak could be nearing a return, Ruff’s forward options remain limited. Jordan Greenway—usually a bottom-six player—was forced to play on the top line in Tuesday’s 2–1 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth, illustrating the dire situation Buffalo faces up front.

The 2023 first-round pick was expected to enjoy a breakout season alongside Norris and Tage Thompson on the Sabres’ top line. But with Norris also injured and Thompson struggling to find form, that high-upside trio has yet to materialize. Instead, the Sabres have had to recall young forwards like Noah Östlund and Isak Rosén to fill lineup gaps, a move that underscores just how depleted the roster has become.

How Benson’s Absence Impacts the Sabres’ Offense

Benson’s playmaking ability and two-way game had brought much-needed creativity to Buffalo’s attack. His eight assists in eight games placed him among the team leaders in points per game before the injury. Without him, the Sabres have struggled to generate sustained offensive pressure or establish consistency in their line rotations.

Buffalo’s general manager Kevyn Adams may soon face a difficult decision: ride out the storm with short-term recalls or explore an early-season trade. With the team already running low on NHL-ready prospects and the forward group heavily impacted, external reinforcements could become necessary if the losing trend continues.

For Benson, this marks his second injury of the season—a frustrating start for a player viewed as a cornerstone of Buffalo’s rebuild. The team will hope he avoids further setbacks and can return fully healthy to help reignite an offense that has lost its rhythm.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When was Zach Benson placed on injured reserve?

The Buffalo Sabres placed Zach Benson on injured reserve on October 31, 2025, due to a lower-body injury.

Q2: What is Zach Benson’s injury status now?

Head coach Lindy Ruff said Benson is “progressing slowly,” and his recovery is being monitored day-to-day with no official return date yet.

Q3: How has Benson performed this season?

Before his injury, Benson recorded eight assists in eight games and was a key contributor on Buffalo’s top line and power play unit.

Q4: Who is replacing Benson in the lineup?

Jordan Greenway has been filling in on the top line, while young forwards Noah Östlund and Isak Rosén have also seen increased ice time.

Q5: What’s next for the Sabres?

The Sabres may consider an early-season trade if their injury issues persist, as their forward depth continues to be tested.