Mar 9, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) back checks as Buffalo Sabres right wing Drew Stafford (21) bring the puck into the zone during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Manning the right point for the second line this year, the Buffalo Sabres will lean on Drew Stafford for leadership, both on and off the ice. He has been with the Buffalo Sabres long enough to remember the good days, but has seen his number of bad days. His contract has drawn the ire of fans and the organization alike, never really manning up to the deal he signed.
In a roster year, Drew Stafford will be trying to prove his worth to an organization he would like to stay with, given he has played his entire professional career with the team.
Drew Stafford has played for Team USA on an international level, winning gold in the 2004 Helsinki World Juniors. In 513 NHL games he has 136 goals, but has never scored more than 20 in a single NHL campaign.
Traded to any NHL team in a playoff hunt, Stafford may not be a first line right wing, but could see those first line minutes easily if the Buffalo Sabres tap Cody Hodgson for the center position.
It is make it or break it time for Drew Stafford. No longer can he be the ghost right winger who contributes occasionally. A breakout year will be good for him, even if his time in Buffalo is drawing to a close. A solid year will be good for the impending free agent, both for Drew Stafford and the Buffalo Sabres. Stafford could land a decent return if the team decides to part ways with him around the trade deadline, something he has been a part of several rumors in the past few years.