McCabe (shoulder) is active for Tuesday's preseason home game versus the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

McCabe averaged just over 20 minutes per game on Buffalo's blue line between the last two seasons, but the upcoming campaign will be especially important for him since he's in a contract year. He's registered 10 goals and 37 assists over 215 career NHL contests to date.

McCabe will undergo a procedure on his shoulder that carries a 4-to-6 month timetable.

EDGE Analysis

Given the new timetable, it's safe to rule out McCabe for the remainder of the 2017-18 campaign and fantasy owners -- few as they may be -- can drop him in the vast majority of formats. He will now focus on rehabbing for a return at the beginning of 2018-19.

McCabe (thumb) was placed on injured reserve Sunday, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

After information was released that McCabe would miss 3-to-4 weeks with his injury, this transaction is simply a formality so Buffalo can use an extra roster spot while the 24-year-old heals. Justin Falk and Victor Antipin will likely see more consistent ice time while McCabe remains out, and a return around the beginning of March remains the most likely.

McCabe underwent surgery on his injured thumb Thursday, and he's facing a return timetable of 3-to-4 weeks.

EDGE Analysis

It wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see McCabe wind up on injured reserve, and this puts the Sabres in a tough spot since the Wisconsin native has been taking roughly 53 percent of his even-strength shifts in the attacking zone. Buffalo has Justin Falk on the active roster as a potential replacement for McCabe, but it's worth noting that it would have the requisite number of defensemen to field a lineup even if Falk wasn't in the picture.

McCabe is set to be evaluated for an upper-body injury Wednesday against the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

McCabe was elbowed in the face by Ryan Getzlaf and ended up recording only 8:48 of ice time. He still managed three blocked shots before departing, though, which is perhaps how he best earns his paychecks given a limited offensive skill set otherwise.

McCabe (undisclosed) left Tuesday's game against the Ducks and won't return, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCabe played just 22 seconds in the second period before being elbowed by Anaheim's Ryan Getzlaf, forcing him to leave the game. The Wisconsin native has one goal and nine PIM in the last five games, and if this injury is long term, it'll leave gaping holes on the blue line and power play. Details about the nature and severity of this injury are expected to emerge after the game.

McCabe added three shots on goal and four hits Thursday against Minnesota in a 6-2 loss.

EDGE Analysis

McCabe and Marco Scandella were the only Sabres defensemen who didn't finish with a negative plus-minus rating. The former University of Wisconsin captain is on pace for another 20-point season, and already shows he's capable of being a second-pair defenseman. He has some upside, but not enough to negate playing on the league's worst offensive team.

McCabe recorded a goal and two assists during Friday's 5-4 overtime loss to Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old blueliner improved to two goals and seven assists with Friday's season-high, three-point showing. McCabe is in line to reach the 20-point benchmark for the second consecutive season, but his fantasy value remains limited to cavernous settings.

McCabe scored his first goal of the season, added a helper, dished out four hits and blocked five shots in Tuesday's win over the Avalanche.

EDGE Analysis

McCabe doesn't contribute much in terms of offense, but fantasy goers couldn't have asked for a much-better fantasy performance. With just six points and a minus-9 rating in 28 games, the second-pairing blueliner still isn't worth owning in most formats. His defensive stats make him valuable in some specialty leagues, but steer clear if you need offensive production.

McCabe fired off three shots on goal while notching one hit in Saturday's 2-1 overtime loss to Montreal.

EDGE Analysis

The Wisconsin native has seen his role increased over the last 10 games, as he's been averaging 20:25 of ice time compared to only 17:18 in his first seven games. McCabe's also recorded three points in that span, and after he notched 20 points last season, a similar output seems likely.