O'Reilly (appendectomy) dished out a pair of power-play helpers in his return Thursday in Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

O'Reilly immediately contributed in his first game since Dec. 23, assisting on power-play goals by Kyle Okposo and Jack Eichel. While the veteran center continues to skate on the third line at even strength, he plays a prominent role on the man advantage. Twelve of his 20 points in 28 games have come with the extra man.

O'Reilly (appendectomy) will suit up against the Blackhawks on Thursday, Paul Hamilton of WGR 500 reports.

EDGE Analysis

O'Reilly practiced Wednesday and will return to the ice less than two weeks after an emergency appendectomy during the Christmas break. Although he skated on the third line, he's expected to log heavy minutes and remains on the first power-play unit. The Sabres will lean on him heavily against a Blackhawks team that has a lot of firepower, and will likely be matched up against Patrick Kane's line. Fantasy owners should start O'Reilly as their normally would.

O'Reilly (appendectomy) practiced Wednesday and is a "good bet" to play Thursday against the Blackhawks, The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

O'Reilly still has to be cleared by doctors in order to play, but head coach Dan Bylsma said he looked fine at practice and took reps in his usual spot on the top power-play unit. O'Reilly is ahead of schedule, returning less than two weeks after having an emergency appendectomy on Christmas day. He leads all Sabres forwards with 21:32 of ice time per game and has scored 18 points in 27 games. His return now gives the Sabres plenty of depth down the middle with Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Zemgus Girgensons serving as the other three centers. O'Reilly should be considered a game-day decision against Chicago, and if he plays should jump back into his No. 1 role right away.

O'Reilly (appendectomy) is on injured reserve, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

This may be more of a semantics move by the Sabres, as they needed to make room on the roster with the recall of Taylor Fedun from the minors and O'Reilly is technically already eligible to return from IR anyway. It's still unclear when the veteran pivot will be able to return to action following his appendectomy, but hopefully, for the Sabres and fantasy owners alike, it's soon.

O'Reilly (appendectomy) will not be available against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

O'Reilly will miss his fourth straight game, and while there is no return date set, he's not expected to be out for long. Averaging 21:32 TOI per game with 18 points in 27 games this season, O'Reilly is undoubtedly Buffalo's top center, but in his absence Jack Eichel will have to assume more responsibilities.

O'Reilly is recovering from an appendectomy performed over the holiday break and currently has no timetable for his return.

EDGE Analysis

With 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists), O'Reilly is the fourth-highest scorer on a Sabres team currently sitting in the basement of the Atlantic Division standings. His absence leaves a gaping hole on the power play as well, as he had been manning the left wing on the top man-advantage unit with 10 points in that special teams situation this year. At the time of this writing, the Sabres have yet to call up a reinforcement to patch the lines without O'Reilly in tow.

O'Reilly assisted on Sam Reinhart's power-play goal in the second period in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to Florida.

EDGE Analysis

O'Reilly was on a two-game slide prior to the game against Florida, failing to register a single point and finishing with just five shots in total despite skating more than 20 minutes per game. With 18 points in 25 games, O'Reilly is on pace to finish with yet another 50-point season, but that'd be a drop from the 60 points he scored last year. However, he remains the team's most consistent player, averaging 21:43 of ice time and 3:16 on the power play, nearly identical numbers to last year. With his multi-position eligibility in most leagues, O'Reilly is a highly valuable fantasy player who's worth starting on most nights. He also has a favorable match Thursday against Carolina.

O'Reilly assisted on Evander Kane's game-tying goal with 29 seconds left and Rasmus Ristolainen's power-play game-winner in overtime Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

He's been a bit inconsistent over the last month or so, missing the scoresheet seven times in his last 11 outings; O'Reilly's also missed six games to injury in that time. Nonetheless, he owns 15 points in 20 games, a respectable scoring pace, and things seem to only be trending up for the Buffalo offense with Jack Eichel back in the fold.

O'Reilly scored twice -- one power-play tally -- on four shots and tacked on an assist during Tuesday's 5-4 victory against Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

Coming into Tuesday, the Sabres have scored just 1.81 goals per game, last in the league. However, the team welcomed back Jack Eichel, immediately boosting their offensive prowess. The 25-year-old hadn't reached the box score after missing five games with an oblique injury (two appearances), but the third contest was a charm. The center will look to repeat this performance and then some if he's aiming to challenge last year's 60-point campaign.

O'Reilly (oblique) announced that he'll return to the lineup Wednesday night against the Red Wings, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

O'Reilly is on track to return after missing missing the past five games. Look for the prolific scoring forward to reprise his role on the top line with Matt Moulson and Kyle Okposo at his sides. He'll also see time on the power play should the opposition be penalized in the upcoming contest.