First rounder returns to action after 10 months off NHL ice!

10 months can be a freaking long time if you have to spend it away from what you love to do most. No one needs to remind first rounder Zach Bogosian of that fact. The wait is finally over for the Buffalo Sabres' veteran defenseman. 

Bogosian, who was selected with the third-overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Atlanta Thrashers, will return to the lineup and make his season debut Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights. He will be paired with Nathan Beaulieu on the Sabres' last blue line pairing for tonight's contest. 

Bogosian missed the first five games of the season due to a lower-body injury that he suffered in the preseason. But it was unfortunately nothing new for the 28-year-old defender. The poor guy didn't make his 2017-18 debut until December after suffering a lower-body injury, only taking part in 18 tilts after missing the final 39 contests due to a hip injury. 

Bogosian underwent hip surgery in the summer and clearly his lower-body was not ready for the real regular calendar action... When asked about the latest injury that occurred during the preseason, Bogosian refused to comment or give any hints on how it took place... 

“I’m not getting into that. Everyone’s going to speculate. Left side, right side, hip surgery, non-hip surgery. I was out and I’m making my way back," he said at practice when asked about the ailment. 

It seemed like quite the financial blow for the Sabres since Bogosian is under contract for the next two seasons at a $5.14-million cap hit, according to the information provided by CapFriendly.

It remains to be seen if the poor guy can remain healthy and have the impact desired by the Sabres and head coach Phil Housley for the season. Of course, Buffalo was lucky at the NHL draft lottery and landed first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin to add to their blue line, however, we are sure the team would like to be able to trust Bogosian to bring experience to the roster and be a mentor for the young Dahlin... 

What is the most important now is that Bogosian is ready to return, and hopefully, will manage to stay healthy.