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Sabres hope Ryan O’Reilly can return to practice next week

Evander Kane, Ryan O'Reilly

Buffalo Sabres’ Evander Kane (9) celebrates with teammate Ryan O’Reilly (90) after O’Reilly scored the winning goal during the overtime session of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings, Saturday Dec. 12, 2015 in Buffalo, N.Y. Buffalo won 2-1. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)

AP

Ryan O’Reilly’s took the next step in his recovery from a foot injury, as he hit the ice on Friday. O’Reilly’s been out of Buffalo’s lineup since Feb. 21, but he still leads the team in scoring. That should show you just how important he is to his team.

Buffalo is 3-5-2 during their top scorer’s most recent absence and they’re hoping they won’t have to be without him much longer.

“It’s always nice to get back on the ice,” O’Reilly said, per the Buffalo News. “It feels like a lot longer than it has been once you get out there. It’s awkward kind of coming back, but it was a good workout. Hopefully, I’ll continue to improve and get back soon.”

O’Reilly was hurt after stopping a pass with his foot in Columbus. He initially thought it was a stinger, but he later realized it was more than that.

“I just kind of turned my foot to take the puck, and I felt it hit weird,” added O’Reilly. “I thought it was a stinger till after the game, and they looked at it and obviously unfortunate that I had to miss some time. It’s good. It feels a lot better now. I’m just excited to get back out there and get going.”

Sabres head coach Dan Bylsma said there’s a chance O’Reilly could return to practice on Monday or Tuesday.