Jokiharju notched an assist, two shots on goal, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Friday's 5-2 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju had gone six games without a point entering Friday. He's a defensive presence in a top-four role, but that's an assignment that doesn't tend to lead to much offense. On the year, Jokiharju has 16 points, 78 shots on net, 81 hits, 96 blocked shots and a plus-14 rating through 66 appearances.

Jokiharju scored a goal and added an assist in a 3-2 overtime win over Minnesota on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju completed Buffalo's comeback with the overtime winner just 1:29 into the extra frame. His big multi-point performance snapped a 24-game scoreless drought and a 31-game goalless slump. He doesn't put up many points, but his plus-9 rating is second-best on the team. His stability helps the Sabres, but he is better off left on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.

Jokiharju (undisclosed) will play Saturday against Tampa Bay, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.

EDGE Analysis

Initially ruled a game-time decision, Jokiharju will indeed suit up Saturday when Buffalo hosts the Lightning. The 24-year-old Jokiharju has two goals and nine points through 37 games this season. He'll likely skate on the Sabres' third pairing, with Erik Johnson (upper body) ruled out.

Jokiharju (general soreness) is expected to a game-time decision versus Tampa Bay on Saturday, per Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju managed to participate in practice Friday, but was the seventh defenseman. He played in the Sabres' last two games after being a healthy scratch for two games a week ago. Jokiharju has two goals, seven assists, 41 hits and 45 blocked shots in 37 appearances this season.

Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reported Friday that Jokiharju is day-to-day with general soreness.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju partook in practice Friday, but he was a seventh defenseman. Jokiharju has averaged 19:32 of ice time in two games this week and managed seven shots on goal Monday versus San Jose. He has two goals, seven assists, 40 shots on goal, 41 hits and 45 blocked shots in 37 games this season.

Jokiharju (illness) is expected to return to the lineup Sunday against Chicago, according to Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju sat out the past two games due to an illness. He has produced seven points, 18 shots on goal, 22 blocked shots and 12 hits in 15 outings this season. He should be back alongside Owen Power for Sunday's contest.

Jokiharju (illness) participated in Friday's practice, but he's still expected to miss the evening's game versus Winnipeg.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju practicing is an indication that he's close to returning, so it wouldn't be surprising if he plays Sunday against Chicago. He has two goals and seven points in 15 outings this year. When Jokiharju is ready to play, Ryan Johnson might lose his spot in the lineup.

Jokiharju (illness) won't play Tuesday against Boston, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju will be replaced in the lineup by Ryan Johnson. The 24-year-old Jokiharju has seven points, 18 shots on goal, 22 blocked shots and 12 hits in 15 games this season.

Jokiharju scored a goal on two shots and blocked three shots in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju saw a season-high 21:03 of ice time Friday with Mattias Samuelsson (lower body) leaving the game early. The goal was Jokiharju's first of the season to go with five assists over 11 contests. If Samuelsson misses time, Jokiharju may be one of the players to pick up extra minutes in a top-four role. The 24-year-old Jokiharju also has 19 blocked shots, 13 shots on net and a plus-5 rating while filling a stay-at-home role on the Sabres' blue line.

Jokiharju notched an assist and blocked three shots in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Jokiharju has quietly stepped up on offense to begin 2023-24, logging four assists over eight games. Two of his helpers have come in the last two contests. The defenseman has added seven shots on net, four hits, 10 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating while playing in a bottom-four role. His career high in points is 19 in 60 outings from 2021-22, but he could challenge that mark if he stays consistent this year.