3 Buffalo Sabres fighting to retain a roster spot

By Sion Fawkes | Mar 7, 2022

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) /

4 of 4

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 04: Robert Hagg #8 of the Buffalo Sabres in action against the Seattle Kraken on November 04, 2021 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

Robert Hagg

Giving credit where credit is due, Hagg has at least solidified himself on the third-pairing, often with Mark Pysyk. He arrived in the Rasmus Ristolainen trade, and while Ristolainen’s game has remained even-keel or even improved, you can’t say the same for Hagg.

In 44 games, Hagg has just 85 hits and 83 blocks. While he logged just 79 two seasons ago in 49 games, his physicality showed with 136 hits. In 2018-19, Hagg played in all 82 regular season games for the first and only time in his career, logging 258 hits and 138 blocks.

Must Read. 3 likely fixtures on Buffalo Sabres fourth line. light

Hagg will be a free agent following this season. And at this point, there is no reason for the Sabres to bring him back to a defensive unit focusing on youth. Hagg is still one of the league’s younger players, but barring an impressive March and April, consider him finished in Buffalo. It will take a lot for the Sabres to even consider bringing him back.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

Home/Sabres News