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
BUFFALO, NY – FEBRUARY 17: Mark Jankowski #17 of the Buffalo Sabres during the game against the Ottawa Senators at KeyBank Center on February 17, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

Mark Jankowski

Unlike Bjork, Jankowski signed on for just one season with the Sabres for $750,000 and began his career in the organization with the Rochester Americans. And while Jankowski has looked good in his 19 games with the Sabres, he’s still not a regular part of the lineup.

This season, Jankowski is threatening to set a new career-high in shooting percentage and when active, has logged an average ice time of 13:39, also a career-high. He’s also shown he can win face-offs, which may help him develop into an effective third or fourth-line center.

Right now, the Sabres seem to be committed to Cody Eakin, despite the latter’s struggles and larger contract. Logistically, Jankowski seems like the better option moving forward, but as it stands, the Sabres keep giving Eakin the nod.

Perhaps things will change. But if they don’t, Jankowski’s time in Buffalo could be null and void. The upside is this: Eakin’s contract expires following the season. So if the Sabres elect not to re-sign him, maybe they will insert Jankowski into the lower lines full-time?

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