Buffalo Sabres Players Year In Review: Marcus Foligno

After battling through a few injuries and some inconsistent play, Marcus Foligno had a season to build off of. By the standards that are expected from him, he was a very average player this year and it showed in his play. There seemed to be a lack of drive for many nights and it reminded me a bit of an uninspired Drew Stafford level of play.

Foligno found himself sitting in the press box for a decent number of games due to this lack of determination and drive. Ted Nolan was having none of it, so Foligno sat and watched. Strangely enough, these benching and scratches by the coach seemed to put a jump in Foligno’s step as the season pressed on and he stepped up immediately after them.

As I said before, this was a very average year for Foligno despite the Buffalo Sabres abysmal year. The fact that he got a career high 20 points is still average because he has only gotten 18 and 19 points the two seasons previous. He is staying consistent with his numbers, but Tim Murray and the coaching staff constantly say he can do more, and I agree with them.

I remember back in the lockout shortened season where Foligno played on a line with Tyler Ennis and Drew Stafford and they were one of the best lines in the league for a short time. Foligno was playing a top 6 level power forward style game and he was very good at it. It is a shame to see him not meeting the expectations set for him, because a large scoring power forward is hard to come by these days.

Folingo spent a majority of the year playing on the third and fourth lines with the likes of Cody McCormick, Nicolas Deslauriers, Cody Hodgson, and some time with Captain Brian Gionta. With limited play and chances, he still was able to put up a career high in points. He scored 8 goals and 12 assists in that time and was second on the Buffalo Sabres in shooting percentage (12.1) behind Zemgus Girgensons (13). He also was fifth on the total scoring chart for points despite playing only 57 games.

Another statistic that is a positive to take away from Foligno’s season is his plus-minus which was a -5. Considering the team average plus minus for players that played at least 20 games was -15.6, Foligno’s -5 is a good possession point. Not only that, but he is gritty enough to have a few fighting majors and throw some big hits.

As a potential dominant physical for for the Sabres, while also having some scoring upside, Marcus Foligno has the ability to be a top 9 forward with some second line power forward minutes IF he is able to find his rhythm and consistency. Without those two things added to his game on a regular basis, he will never hit his potential.

As for his future with the team, I cannot see him going above the third line unless his really hits a stride and proves himself like his brother did this past season for the Blue Jackets.

What do you guys think about Foligno?

Next: Buyout or Second Chance For Hodgson?

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