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

The Buffalo Sabres will see their high-scorers return and exciting rookies move up to the main roster next year. But don’t forget about these role players.

When you think about the Buffalo Sabres forwards, names like Jeff Skinner, Victor Olofsson, Alex Tuch, and Tage Thompson often reach the forefront of your mind. But there are three forwards on the roster who have carved decent niche roles on the team, or will do so in 2022-23.

You won’t see the following forwards score much. But there are either situations or games themselves where their presence may become invaluable. Let’s meet these three forwards and discuss which role they will fit well into for the upcoming season.

Three role-playing forwards that will help the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23: Forward #1 – Rasmus Asplund (Defense)

When you look at Rasmus Asplund’s offensive statistics, they are among the least-relevant on the Buffalo Sabres, given his eight goals and 19 assists in 2021-22. The defensive forward, in his first full season playing with the Sabres – just 29 games in 2019-20 and 28 in 2020-21 – finished in 19th for the Selke Trophy.

One reason stems from Asplund’s tendency to create opportunities for himself and teammates following a stellar defensive play. He also fits head coach Don Granato’s high-pressure philosophy when the Sabres are not in possession of the puck and he is especially brilliant on the forecheck.

Defensively and offensively, Asplund displays both puck awareness and a high hockey IQ. Something you will see develop further in 2022-23. I expect him to slide into a winger role on the third line, most likely with Dylan Cozens, who also completed his first full season with the Sabres.

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.