The most important thing for the Buffalo Sabres is health. Despite the flu and cold going around Western New York, it is not what is being referenced. Many players on the roster should use this time to rest and get back to full strength after the Olympic break.

One such player is Jordan Greenway. The left winger has been in and out the lineup this season do to two hernia surgeries. It appears the team may be looking at options including another surgery.

If Greenway is able to come back healthy, it could be a valuable part of why the Sabres can breakthrough to the playoffs. Despite only having five points on the year, Lindy Ruff uses him in other important roles.

Jordan Greenway, when healthy, is valued part of the penalty-kill squad

Since he arrived in 2023, the left-winger has been a part of the penalty kill for the Sabres. He ranks among one of the highest in NHL forwards and often leads the team when healthy. It is his physical presence, and he takes measured chances when on the ice.

For the Sabres, having players who can generate a hit or momentum by playing the role of enforcer can be vital as the competition gets harder and stiffer as the season gets going.

Teams will be looking to knock the Sabres down a peg as they are competing to get into the postseason. It will be important for them to continue to have the physicality now more than ever.

Greenway has 49 hits on the season. That is an impressive stat despite only playing in a little over 30 games on the year. It also demonstrates that he can be a big part of the team when on the ice.

The Sabres return to action on Feb. 25

With two more weeks, Greenway should explore any option that gets him both healthy and on the ice. He will want to make sure that if he returns it will be for the remainder of the season. He has been in and out the lineup.

He is signed through the 2026-27 season and it will be important for Greenway to prove he can he here for the long run. If he continues to deal with injury problems, come next season he could be on the trading block.

However, if he proves once again that he can be a part of the Sabres plans and help get the postseason, he may be due for a contract extension.