Sabres’ Conor Timmins set to return after missing four months with broken leg
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Conor Timmins is ready and available to return to the lineup after missing more than four months while recovering from a broken leg.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said Wednesday morning that Timmins is “good to go” but did not indicate whether he would play against the Boston Bruins that evening. Ruff also said that Mattias Samuelsson will be a game-time decision against the Bruins, potentially opening the door for Timmins to dress.
Mattias Samuelsson is a game-time decision, Lindy Ruff said. Conor Timmins is available. "He said he's ready to go."
Timmins, 27, has not played since Dec. 18, when he had to be helped off the ice after falling awkwardly during the third period of a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. The 6’3″ right-shot defender was initially expected to miss 6-8 weeks with the injury, but he has now been on the injured reserve list for more than twice as long.
In 33 games with the Sabres this season, Timmins has collected six points (all assists) while averaging 19:14 of ice time. The St. Catharine’s, Ont. product is under contract through the end of the 2026-27 season at a $2.25 million annual cap hit.
The Sabres acquired Timmins from the Pittsburgh Penguins alongside Isaac Belliveau on June 28, 2025, in exchange for Connor Clifton and a 2025 second-round pick (used to select Peyton Kettles). Then a pending RFA, Timmins signed his two-year deal with the Sabres just under a month later.
With Timmins now set to return, the Sabres will look to maintain the incredible hot streak they’ve been on for the past few months. With a 44-20-7 record and 95 points through 71 games, the Sabres are just one point back of the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Eastern Conference.
Buffalo’s incredible year has much to do with its excellent defensive group, led by Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Bowen Byram, and Samuelsson. Timmins will now compete with the likes of Zach Metsa, Logan Stanley, Michael Kesselring, and Luke Schenn for one of the final two spots on the blue line.