Buffalo Sabres: Who will end up as the second-line center in 2022-23?
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres have three young centers that will compete for a spot on the second scoring line in training camp toward the end of summer
Barring some catastrophic meltdown in training camp, Tage Thompson will open the 2022-23 NHL season as the Buffalo Sabres first-line center. Thompson had a breakout campaign last year and led the team in points.
He played so well that at one point he was the team’s nominee for Last Man In at the 2022 NHL All-Star Game. But there is a potential battle going on as to who will take the spot at second-line center.
While there are a few forwards who can fulfill the void, three of them jump out more than the others. These three players have seen time at both center and winger, but Hockey-Reference lists them at center for their natural position.
Who will be the Buffalo Sabres second-line center?
All three players are former first-round draft picks and they each had their moments with the Buffalo Sabres. One of which has spent the last six seasons in the organization while another just completed his second full season in the NHL.
One center listed in particular was buried on another team’s depth chart, but they may very well become the team’s breakout player in 2022-23. At least at forward. However, there are a few caveats that might make them a better option at winger than at center.
There are strengths and weaknesses to each candidate. And even if they win the job coming out of training camp, nothing in the NHL is set in stone. So who are these three players, and what are their cases for becoming a staple on the Buffalo Sabres second scoring line? Keep reading to find out more.