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Buffalo Sabres: 3 role-playing forwards to watch in 2022-23

By Sion Fawkes

Nov 18, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Rasmus Asplund (74) looks to take a shot on goal during the second period against the Calgary Flames at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2021; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Rasmus Asplund (74) looks to take a shot on goal during the second period against the Calgary Flames at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
Oct 28, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons (28) celebrates with right wing Kyle Okposo (21) his goal scored against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Okposo provided an assist on the goal. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Zemgus Girgensons (Face-offs)

Right now, there are two centers on the Buffalo Sabres who can best handle face-offs: Dylan Cozens and Zemgus Girgensons. Many in the Sabres faithful have clamored for a center who can win a face-off late in a nail-biter, but Girgensons can most definitely leap into that role.

Last season, he won 49.8 percent of his face-offs, winning 143 and losing 144. It was a significant increase in his FOW win percentage from 2019-20, which resided in the low forties. This season, Girgensons can likely take over the role as fourth line center. But when the Sabres need a face-off win, they can turn to him.

However, there is also the possibility that the Sabres may eventually use Girgensons as trade bait if they become sellers at the trade deadline. If this occurs, look for Cozens to fill the role. While Cozens’ 45 percent FOW was by no means great, he has the backing of Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News to make the leap next season.

Not that the leap will translate into winning face-offs. But nonetheless, Cozens has a work ethic, desire, and the ability to create opportunities for himself. If Girgensons remains in Buffalo, he will have this role, along with a steady spot on the fourth line. But if he isn’t there, expect Cozens to snag it and perform well in the role.

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