Mar 23, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Cody Hodgson (19) skates with the puck against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Eddie Lack (31) and forward Ryan Kesler (17) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
With all the rookie depth at center, the Buffalo Sabres might just benefit from moving Cody Hogdson to the wing. With Mikhail Grigorenko, Zemgus Girgensons, and Sam Reinhart all playing center – it seems like a viable option for the Buffalo Sabres roster.
What is most intriguing right now is with the roster in the midst of a rebuild mode, no one is really sure who is going to be on the team when the rebuild ends, and the team shifts into the mode where they will be pushing for the playoffs. Hodgson could see himself shuffle back and forth between center and right wing.
Originally drafted in the first round, tenth overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2008 draft – Hodgson never found his way to a permanent spot on their roster, being traded at the deadline to the Buffalo Sabres for Zach Kassian. The teams also traded defenseman in that deadline deal.
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Hodgson has been a part of winning organizations on an international level, being a part of gold medal team Canada at the U18 World Championships in Kazan (2008) and the 2009 World Juniors in Ottawa.
In 211 NHL games, Hodgson has 55 goals, and 121 points. He has seen playoff action to the tune of 12 games with the Canucks, registering a single point (an assist) in those twelve games.
Being on the top line with a crafty center could potentially increase the scoring volume of Hodgson, something the Sabres could desperately use. Hodgson set a career high in goals and assists last season, with 20 goals and 24 assists.