Hunwick returning from neck injury

The Buffalo Sabres are sending Matt Hunwick to the minors on a rehabilitation assignment in the veteran defenceman’s next step in recovering from a neck injury he sustained last summer. Coach Phil Housley said Hunwick will play at least one and possibly two games for Buffalo’s American Hockey League affiliate in Rochester. Hunwick is an 11-year veteran who was acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh in June. He was hurt while working out on his own and has yet to play a game for Buffalo.