Buffalo Sabres: 3 role-playing forwards to watch in 2022-23
By Sion Fawkes
Brett Murray (Power Forward)
Murray is the one name on the list that might slip a few minds, but I can see him taking over the role that John Hayden left behind. While I had written favorably about Murray in the past, he also slipped my own mind before a fan asked Lysowski of whether the Sabres had any power forwards either on the team or in the system.
Lysowski pointed to Murray, Prokhor Poltapov, and Olivier Nadeau. Poltapov will remain in Russia for the time being, while Nadeau will be sidelined between four and six months after undergoing shoulder surgery. Murray, however, looked fit for the role last season when he joined the main roster for a handful of games.
While I believe he will start the season in the AHL, I can also see the Buffalo Sabres recalling him if injuries strike, or if there is a need for more physicality at the position. I don’t see Murray playing for the Sabres full-time, likely rotating in and out of the lineup with the likes of Vinnie Hinostroza and even rookies Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka. Early on, at least, for the latter pair.
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He will play when the Sabres go head to head with some of the more physical, defense-first teams. Murray saw ice time in 19 contests last season. Expect that number to increase in 2022-23.
Article Source: Buffalo Sabres Player Season Report Card: Rasmus Asplund by Zach Rohde
(Statistics provided by Hockey DB and Hockey-Reference)