Sabre Noise
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3 Buffalo Sabres fighting to retain a roster spot

By Sion Fawkes

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Vinnie Hinostroza #29, Mark Pysyk #13, Anders Bjork #96 of the Buffalo Sabres congratulate Arttu Ruotsalainen #25 of the Buffalo Sabres after he scored a goal during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on October 28, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Vinnie Hinostroza #29, Mark Pysyk #13, Anders Bjork #96 of the Buffalo Sabres congratulate Arttu Ruotsalainen #25 of the Buffalo Sabres after he scored a goal during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on October 28, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 23: Anders Bjork #96 of the Buffalo Sabres in action against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on October 23, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sabres 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Anders Bjork

Following his trade with the Boston Bruins in April 2021, Bjork saw his ice time increase substantially from 12:18 to 17:02. During his first 15 games with the Sabres, he also saw his shooting percentage reach a career-high, logging six points in 15 games.

This season was a different story, and Bjork’s ice time dwindled to 12:18 in 51 games played. And while still young, Bjork’s $1.8 million base salary next season will nearly double the team’s cap hit from 2.35% to 4%.

He just isn’t producing enough for the Sabres to invest in him long-term when there are potentially better options coming up from Rochester. Before Sunday’s tilt against the Los Angeles Kings, the Sabres made Bjork a healthy scratch, sitting him in favor of the returning Vinnie Hinostroza.

If the Sabres continue to scratch Bjork for Hinostroza and potential recalls, expect them to either cut ties or try to trade him elsewhere. But it’s going to be hard to convince another franchise to take on Bjork. Ideally, he gets a few more chances to showcase himself this season.

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