Injured Buffalo goalie Robin Lehner takes major step in recovery

The Buffalo Sabres got some good news Tuesday when injured goaltender Robin Lehner returned to practice for the first time since suffering the dreaded high ankle sprain in the season opener on Oct. 8. Lehner, who was traded to the Sabres by the Ottawa Senators over the summer, was supposed to lead Buffalo in net this season, but goalie Chad Johnson has largely taken over that role while Lehner recovers. 

Lehner was able to take the ice before practice and participated in drills with Buffalo's other two goalies on Tuesday, according to a report from WGR 550. The 24-year-old said he has no limitations as far as practicing goes. 

Via WGR 550:

Lehner was originally given a 6-to-10 week timeline to return, but he suffered a setback two weeks ago which kept him from returning to the ice within that 10-week span. Buffalo coach Dan Bylsma denied any setback when asked about it last week, but Lehner told reporters Tuesday he had indeed suffered a minor setback which ended up creating an additional mental challenge for him to face as he works to return to games.

Both Lehner and Bylsma told reporters the goalie is currently day-by-day and will likely do a rehab stint in the AHL with the Rochester Americans before returning to the Sabres' lineup.