Sabres' Nicolas Aube-Kubel: Nearing return

Aube-Kubel (lower body) might be available as early as Saturday versus Detroit, coach Lindy Ruff told Joe Yerdon of Bleacher Report on Tuesday.

Even if Aube-Kubel doesn't play Saturday, it seems he's not far off from returning. He suffered the lower-body injury during Buffalo's season opener Oct. 4. Aube-Kubel is projected to serve in a bottom-six capacity once he's available.