BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 4: Lawrence Pilut #24 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game on December 4, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres have several defenders who are currently on the injured list. Lawrence Pilut returning to the AHL could help that issue soon.

Who can forget Lawrence Pilut, the young Swede took the AHL by storm last season scoring 22 points in his first 15 games. With such great play in Rochester, fans and coaches alike in Buffalo started to get excited.

Pilut was called up to the NHL about halfway through last season and really struggled. Pilut only managed 6 points in 33 games and never looked truly acclimated with the pace of the NHL.

After the season, Pilut had successful surgery on his left shoulder. Now it is five months later and around that time where Pilut should be returning.

Pilut has been participating in non contact drills at Rochester American’s practice. Coaches for the Amerks expect Pilut to return to the ice in about two weeks. It has been reported by the Buffalo News, that Pilut has put on 13 pounds while recovering.

Pilut believes the extra weight will help him when he returns to the NHL and will help his durability. Still, before he returns to the ice, the most important thing is that the 23 year old prospects shoulder is 100%.

An expected return for Pilut to he NHL would be January. Pilut will probably need a month or 2 in the AHL to get back up to speed before the Sabres throw him to the wolves in the NHL.

When he does return, the Sabres are getting back one of their most promising prospects and a very offensively talented defender. If Pilut can perform like he did during his first stint in the AHL, Buffalo could find itself stacked with talented defenseman.

So while getting back up to speed will be key in the AHL. Pilut needs to understand that when he does return to the NHL all eyes will be on him, and he needs to be more prepared than he was last time.