Training Camp In 6 Days- Where Do the Sabres Stand

Cody Hodgson Still Unsigned

While it’s not great that the Sabres number-one centre remains unsigned just 6 days before camp opens, the Sabres can be thankful that

Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

the situation has not turned into a circus like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nazem Kadri‘s situation. It’s an absolute mess between the Leafs, Kadri and the media. Maybe it’s the price you have to pay for playing in Toronto, but Kadri must be feeling pretty bad. Cody Hodgson on the other hand has chosen to keep his contract negotiations private between himself, his owner and the Sabres, and based on past experiences that’s the best route. Things usually get done quicker, fewer feelings are hurt and it isn’t a major distraction.

Since Hodgson is a RFA he can choose to holdout of training camp until after he gets a contract, like Kadri is threatening and PK Subban did, but it’s unlikely. Since coming to Buffalo, Hodgson has been very diplomatic. He hasn’t spoken out in the media and he hasn’t gone to complain about his ice time, he’s trying to be as classy as possible but then, skipping training camp isn’t classy.

It would be in the Sabres best interest to lock up their first line centre in the next 27 days (before the regular season) or before someone offer-sheets the young centre. While he remains unsigned, there hasn’t been a lot of news on his new contract and sometimes no news is the best news. Hopefully Hodgson can put the pen to paper soon and signed a solid deal that will keep him in blue and gold.