Buffalo Sabres first-line winger Evander Kane suffered three cracked ribs after crashing into the end boards during Thursday night's game, according to coach Dan Bylsma.
As for how much time Kane will miss, Bylsma said, "We're looking at weeks."
"Evander has three cracked ribs and we're looking at weeks," Bylsma said Friday after practice.
"It's weeks, depending on the severity, and in the oblique area it's something you're going to deal with even when you come back with the rotation and the discomfort."
The play happened with 11.3 seconds to go in the second period of Buffalo's season opener versus the Montreal Canadiens. Kane became tangled with Montreal defenseman Alexei Emelin but appeared to simply lose an edge on his skates as he flew violently into the boards.
Kane rolled around in clear agony on the ice. He needed help to get to the dressing room.
He did not return for the third period and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and precautionary measures, the Sabres said. He was later released Thursday night, Bylsma said Friday.
On the bright side, winger Kyle Okposo appears set to return from injury after missing the season opener.
"Kyle returned to full practice today with sights to playing the game Sunday in Edmonton," said Bylsma.
Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov remains day to day, Bylsma said.
Information from ESPN's Pierre LeBrun was used in this report.