Sabre Noise
Fansided

3 forwards the Buffalo Sabres may target in free agency

By Sion Fawkes

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 03: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on March 03, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 03: Alex Chiasson #39 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on March 03, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
BUFFALO, NY – MARCH 30: Vinnie Hinostroza #29 of the Buffalo Sabres during the game against the Winnipeg Jets at KeyBank Center on March 30, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

Forward #2: Vinnie Hinostroza

There are a few forwards the Buffalo Sabres should consider re-signing, but no one stands out more than Vinnie Hinostroza. The Sabres signed Hinostroza to a prove-it deal last year. And while the 28-year-old journeyman had injury issues, he was also rather productive for a role player, posting 25 points in 62 games. He also logged 92 shots on goal, converting 14.1 percent of them.

Overall, Hinostroza logged 13:52 of average ice time, meaning he made the most of his opportunities. His grit and work ethic should have caught Kevyn Adams’ eye during the season, and he would be great to re-sign as a fourth-liner.

Hinostroza’s game didn’t come without issues this past season. He spent more time in the penalty box in his 62 games than he had in the previous two seasons combined (94 games). He also had 26 turnovers, the second-highest number of his career.

Despite obvious flaws in his game, Hinostroza showed enough to stick around on the lowest line. Ideally, he’s a rotational piece that the Sabres could retain for roughly $1 million.

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