Nelson announced his retirement from professional hockey Friday, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson opted out of the 2020-21 campaign shortly before training camp began, so this news doesn't come as a total shock. The 28-year-old blueliner will hang up his skates having accrued four goals and 18 points in 93 career NHL appearances spread over four seasons.

Nelson has opted out of the 2020-21 season, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson played exclusively in the AHL last season, posting 12 points over 48 games. He'll aim to return for the 2021-22 season.

Nelson inked a one-year, $700,000 pact with Buffalo on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson spent the entire 2019-20 campaign in the minors with AHL Rochester in which he recorded four goals, eight helpers and 10 PIM. The 28-year-old blueliner should have a chance at securing a spot on the 23-man roster for Opening Night, though it wouldn't come as a shock for him to end up back with the Americans.

Nelson cleared waivers, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson was the casualty of Buffalo upgrading their defense over the offseason. He appeared in 38 games for the Sabres last year, collecting one goal and five assists. The 27-year-old will head to AHL Rochester, and will surely see time with the big club later in the campaign.

Nelson was waived by the Sabres for the purpose of reassignment Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The Sabres added solid right-handed blueliners Henri Jokiharju and Colin Miller via trade this summer, which gave Nelson little margin for error during the preseason, and he couldn't crack the big club for Opening Night. Nelson posted just six points in 38 NHL games last year, but he was solid defensively with a 52.3 Corsi For percentage. If he's not claimed off waivers, Nelson will start the season with AHL Rochester.

Nelson is without a point since returning from injury.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson has been held pointless in the nine games he's played since re-joining the Sabres. In total, he hasn't produced during the past 12 contests he's appeared in. He has five points throughout 31 games this season. Nelson doesn't bring much fantasy value to the table.

Nelson is in the lineup Monday against the Maple Leafs, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson has spent most of the season dealing with an upper-body injury, and he hasn't played since Dec. 4. Now he's healthy, and also Nathan Beaulieu has been traded. That gives Nelson opportunity to earn his first playing time in 2019.

Nelson (upper body) will not play Sunday in New Jersey, but will travel to Florida on Tuesday, John Vogl of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson has been out since Dec. 4 after suffering an upper-body injury. He's scored five points in 22 games while averaging under 15 minutes of ice time per game. He should slot back into a top-four role on the blue line upon his return.

Nelson (upper body) returned from his conditioning stint with AHL Rochester and is expected to play Sunday versus the Devils, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson hasn't played an NHL game since Dec. 4, but he was able to play in five minor-league games during his conditioning assignment. A roster spot still needs to be opened up and Nelson needs to be activated from injured reserve before he can enter the lineup.

Nelson (upper body) will join AHL Rochester on a conditioning assignment, the club announced Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Nelson figures to suit up for at least the Americans' games versus Springfield and Utica on Friday and Saturday, respectively, but could spent a little more time with the minor-league club depending on how those outings go. The blueliner -- who has been sidelined since Dec. 4 versus Toronto -- could crack the 10-point mark for the first time in hi career once healthy, though the 20-point threshold is likely unattainable given his lengthy absence from the lineup.