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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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Nov 21, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Rasmus Asplund (74) celebrates his goal with defenseman Jacob Bryson (78) and defenseman Colin Miller (33) during the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

Player #5 – Rasmus Asplund, C/W

I’m sure this ranking will come as a shock to many. But Asplund finished the season with some Selke votes, telling me that he’s a much better player than most give him credit for. No, Asplund doesn’t score, but he is the best defensive forward on the Buffalo Sabres entering the 2022-23 season.

He is the type of player you only notice on the ice if you are specifically watching him play in most cases. Great along the boards and on the forecheck, Asplund is the Sabres go-to when they need to count on someone to force the puck back into their possession.

At which point, he often passes the puck off to an open teammate and lets them go to work and take credit for scoring. So don’t be surprised if even players like Casey Mittelstadt put up better numbers than Asplund offensively – it’s not in the latter’s game.

Asplund’s defensive prowess is what has given him this high ranking. And while it may not stick as the Sabres become a more experienced hockey team, he will find himself in the Top 10 for as long as he remains a productive defensive forward in Buffalo.

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