Working back from injuries is  always tough and Sabres defenseman Zach Bogosian knows this as well as anybody in the NHL. Bogosian has fought off injuries throughout his career, which is why he’s feeling positive after returning to practice and leading stretches.

"Mentally I feel good. It’s one thing I can control how I think and how I can stay positive and contribute when I’m not in the lineup," Bogosian said.

"I though he looked really good, first practice back with our group. It was up beat and uptempo. Good sign he could get through it," said Sabres head coach Phil Housley.

 

Neither the defenseman nor the Sabres will say if his lower-body injury has anything to do with his hip surgery from January. Bogosian says he didn’t feel right during a preseason game, and he’s not taking chances.

"Id like to get a few team practices in," Bogosian said. "I’ve been skating on my own. I’d like to get a few more practices before I jump into a game. Lot of factors. Today was a step in the right direction, but I’m not ready to play in a game yet."

Bogosian has spent a lot of time in the Sabres training room, but that doesn’t mean he’s comfortable there. He says the mental aspect of injuries is comparable to the physical part of it.

"There are good days bad days; being around guys making me smile," Bogosian said. "I don’t wish anyone to go through it. I have to grow from it mentally and physically."

Bogosian said he was 100 percent healthy the day before training camp and he hopes his conservative approach can get him back there sooner rather than later. 

The Sabres will be without Bogosian when they host the Colorado Avalanche Thursday at 7 p.m.