Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) – The Buffalo Sabres have been on everyone’s mind as of late, as their absence in the last few weeks for the Olympic tournament feels like it has left a whole within the heart of Western New York. With the playoffs in clear view, everyone is ready for their return.

That’s not to say there wasn’t any decent hockey action over the past few weeks. Team USA Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams both bested Canada in gold medal games to take the crown. Tage Thompson was on the USA Men’s Olympic roster and tallied three goals and an assist throughout the tournament.

Lindy Ruff says he is happy for Thompson following the successful trip.

“You look at our team and our city here, and we have a gold medalist, and he played so well, he was a big part of them winning gold,” Ruff said on his weekly appearance on the Jeremy and Joe Show. “I think he’s earned everywhere he’s gotten to… He’s a good example for all the young guys that are coming in. I think he’s been able to control the things that make the biggest difference in the game. Become a good player away from the puck, which gets you more ice time, have elite fitness, and I believe he’s at that that level right now. So the things he can control, he’s controlled, and he’s put himself in a great position to become one of the best players in the league.”

The big question is whether or not Thompson will make his return in the first game back against New Jersey, with the weather and travel schedule still unknown.

“I think all of those players are on such a high and have and the right to be on that high. I know we’re chasing our dream and continuing the way we played, and get him back in the right space, At the same time, let him enjoy the moment with all those other guys. Hopefully we see him later today or possibly tomorrow is the plan. I’ve traded texts with him, and he’s excited to get back and and get going with the rest of guys here and continue what we’ve been trying to build.”

There were a couple of injuries with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Zach Benson heading into the break, Ruff spoke on their current status as well.

“UPL, is good to go. Benson will not make the will not make the start of this trip. I’m not going to rule him out for maybe joining us in in Florida, but he won’t be available for the New Jersey game. There’s some further tests he’s going to be doing here in the next couple of days, but on an encouraging front UPL will be ready. Kulich is still under protocol until early March. Timmons and Danforth have both been skating, and they’re progressing, but neither of those guys will be ready here within the week or two.”

Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday in New Jersey.