Sabres rule out Okposo, Kulikov for season opener

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Aside from missing top-line center Jack Eichel, the Buffalo Sabres will open the season without their two top offseason additions, forward Kyle Okposo and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov.

Coach Dan Bylsma provided the update Thursday, before Buffalo hosts Montreal.

Okposo is still nursing a sore knee after being hit by a puck in practice. Bylsma said there's a good chance he could play at Edmonton on Sunday, when the Sabres open a four-game road trip.

Kulikov is scratched after hurting his back during a preseason game two weeks ago.

Buffalo signed Okposo to a six-year contract in free agency and acquired Kulikov in a trade with Florida in June.

As for Eichel , Bylsma said the second-year star will miss ''weeks and not days'' after spraining his ankle in practice Wednesday.