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Buffalo Sabres: What role will Vinnie Hinostroza fill?

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 28, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Vinnie Hinostroza (29) skates in the offensive zone during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Vinnie Hinostroza (29) skates in the offensive zone during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buffalo Sabres re-signed forward Vinnie Hinostroza on the eve of NHL free agency to a one-year contract worth $1.7 million. 

The Buffalo Sabres added a proven veteran for depth in Vinnie Hinostroza, And while his numbers will never become a wow-factor in NHL spheres, Hinostroza provides remarkable insurance for the Sabres lower lines.

A bridge player for sure, Hinostroza also gives the Sabres a veteran presence for pending incoming prospects Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka. You can expect the 28-year-old to assist in the mentorship role of both, and he can also step in and hold the fort down if the two youngsters show they are not quite ready for extended playing time in the NHL.

Vinnie Hinostroza provides sound insurance for the Buffalo Sabres on a one-year deal

Last season, Hinostroza dealt with injuries while he mainly spent time playing winger on the lower lines. He is a versatile player capable of playing either right wing or left wing who can also give you an accurate shot, scoring on a career-high 14.1 percent of his shots on goal.

Having averaged 13:52 per game last season, Hinostroza also had a moderately productive season on the lower lines, scoring 25 points in 62 games, with 12 shots finding twine. Look for him to most likely see time on the fourth line this season, playing both winger positions.

Hinostroza, a journeyman who has played for four different franchises since making his NHL debut during the 2015-16 season, will most likely look to become a rotational piece if Quinn and Peterka do show they are ready for the NHL game. Overall, you will see his ice time decrease in this situation, and he will wind up appearing in between 45 and 60 contests.

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Sabres fans should not see Hinostroza’s signing as potentially taking time away from Quinn or Peterka. Instead, he will simply provide sound insurance not just for them, but also if injuries were to again strike the Sabres. And at the low cost of just $1.7 million, Hinostroza’s return was a solid, low-risk move by general manager Kevyn Adams.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)

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