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Buffalo Sabres: 5 players that need to leave in free agency – 2022

By Sion Fawkes

Feb 20, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mark Pysyk (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mark Pysyk (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
ELMONT, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 30: Cody Eakin #20 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Cody Eakin

Let’s give Eakin credit: He was great with winning face-offs. Over his two seasons with the Sabres, he won 55 percent of them, which is more than what most centers in Buffalo’s lineup can account for.

The downside is that he was virtually a non-factor everywhere else. Eakin’s 13:35 of average ice time was the second-lowest of his career, better only than his 12:56 of ice time last season. His 5.4 shooting percentage also marked the second-lowest of his career and his worst since 2016-17, when he was a member of the Dallas Stars.

A journeyman, Eakin is one of those players you sign and plug into the lineup when you have no one else available. He’s an experienced stopgap who will provide value on the fourth line. Which was something the Sabres needed this season. However, they will have better options in October with players like Zemgus Girgensons and if he returns, Vinnie Hinostroza.

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