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The top 10 best players on the Buffalo Sabres roster in 2022

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson (72) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson (72) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Dylan Cozens (24) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the second period at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Player #9 – Dylan Cozens, C

If Cozens’ goal-scoring production did not drop during the latter portion of 2021-22, he would be ranked higher on this list. But if there is one player you can expect to potentially skyrocket in these rankings this season, it’s Cozens.

There is no denying the Workhorse from Whitehorse’s work ethic, and he brings that hardcore approach onto the ice game after game. So my guess is that Cozens will figure things out from a scoring standpoint at some point this season, if he hasn’t already done so.

When you look at the possession metrics, Cozens did become a better asset for the Buffalo Sabres than his numbers indicate. In 2020-21, his even strength Corsi For% and Fenwick For% rested below 46%. Fast-forward to 2021-22, and both possession metrics saw a respectable increase – a 50.1% CF%, up from 45.8%, and an FF% of 49.2%, up from 44.0%.

Also at even strength, his offensive zone starting percentage (oZS%) increased by 11.3%, from 46.3% to 57.6%. Looking at these metrics, it shows how much more effective the Sabres were with Cozens on the ice. Expect that trend to continue in 2022-23.

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