Dahlin and Samuelsson rank first and third on the Sabres, respectively, in average time on ice. Dahlin's average ice time (25:44) ranks third in the NHL.
The Sabres practiced with six defensemen on Sunday: Owen Power, Henri Jokiharju, Riley Stillman, Ilya Lyubushkin, Jacob Bryson, and Kale Clague. Dahlin has not been ruled out for the opener of the team's three-game road trip in Toronto on Monday.
"Those are the six that we're going to go with if Dahlin is not going," Granato said.
Tuch practiced for the first time since he sustained a lower-body injury in Florida on February 24. He was tied with Dahlin for second on the Sabres with 62 points (28+34) at the time of his injury. He has not been ruled out for Monday's game.
"The last 30 games he's had have probably been some of the best of his career, and I think everybody's become aware of it that's watched his play including us on the bench," Granato said. "… So, he was a big loss because he was playing so well when he got hurt.
"Obviously, the results aren't what we wanted since he's been out, so having him back is significant. … He's an incredible athlete, so we're gauging when's the right time for him that he's comfortable and we're comfortable putting him in. But it will be a boost when he's in there."
Here are more notes from Sunday's practice.
1.Kyle Okposo had a maintenance day and did not practice.
2. Tuch said he watched every game during his absence and was as vocal then as he normally would be on the bench.
"It was really tough not being around the guys, not going into battle with them each and every night," he said. "I just try to work hard to get back to being on the ice with them again. I was all smiles and the first time I stepped out there again, that's a great feeling."
3. Dylan Cozens remained at center on a line with JJ Peterka and Jack Quinn. The Sabres owned a 21-9 advantage in shot attempts with the trio on the ice at 5-on-5 against the Rangers, prompting Tuch to send a text to Peterka after the game.
"I was like, 'That was your best game I've seen in a really long time,'" Tuch said. "He was flying. … He was really being assertive and he was pushing the pace and he was going forward. And that was really good to see, and it was good to see those three back on a unit together."
4. Comrie sustained his injury during a recent practice, Granato said. The Sabres coach said he expects both Comrie and Samuelsson to return before the end of the regular season.
5.The Sabres departed after practice for a three-game road trip that opens Monday in Toronto. The trip continues with visits to Washington on Wednesday and Philadelphia on Friday.
Coverage on Monday begins at 7 p.m. on MSG. The puck drops at 7:30 on MSG and WGR 550.
