Sabres C Gaustad practices, eyes return vs. Capitals

Dec 30, 2008 - 12:46 AM BUFFALO, New York (Ticker) -- Buffalo Sabres center Paul Gaustad returned to practice on Monday after missing his team's last five games with an upper body injury.

Gaustad, who skated with right wing Ales Kotalik and left wing Adam Mair, was scheduled to meet with team doctors later in the day. If given approval, Gaustad could return to action when the Sabres face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.

"Paul's close," Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff told the Buffalo News. "He'll be evaluated today and there's a possibility he'll play (Tuesday)."

Gaustad recorded three goals and four assists in 22 games this season.

The 26-year-old has 31 tallies and 58 assists in 237 career contests.