Buffalo Sabres: Do not underestimate Vinnie Hinostroza’s value
By Sion Fawkes
Vinnie Hinostroza is going to play a major role for the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23, even if he starts the season on the fourth line.
With Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka slated to earn spots on the final roster, it meant someone had to be the odd man out on the Buffalo Sabres. In 2022-23, that odd man out appeared to be none other than Vinnie Hinostroza, who looked as though he’d be starting the season as an extra skater or, in case of injury, the fourth line.
And lo and behold, Kyle Okposo exited the game with an upper body injury and that might necessitate Hinostroza to start the season on the fourth line if the ailment lingers. Victor Olofsson, who had a stellar outing in the previous contest, earned the night off, making way for Hinostroza to start the game on the first line.
It ended with a goal and an overall solid outing where the veteran winger proved he could play anywhere the Sabres needed him. Fourth line, first line, it didn’t matter.
Vinnie Hinostroza is still valuable to the Buffalo Sabres
It’s no secret that of the Sabres three rookies, J.J. Peterka is going to struggle the most. While he displayed the speed and tenacity to prove he belongs in the NHL, he put together another adequate yet inconsistent performance against Carolina.
This is one reason I had Peterka as nothing more than a fourth-line/rotational piece in my earliest predictions. But as the lineup combinations started to take shape I bumped Peterka to the checking line. And while I still believe he will end up there, don’t be surprised if he does rotate out as the Sabres ease him into an 82-game NHL schedule.
This is yet another situation where Hinostroza’s value comes into play. Last season, he showed he could produce on the third and fourth lines with what was a far less talented team. In last night’s game against Carolina, Hinostroza once again proved he could hang with the more talented team the Sabres have become.
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While it’s true Hinostroza may start the season as an extra skater if they go with Peterka on the 13th and if Okposo is healthy enough to play, expect to see him in the starting line combos often this year. And it may not matter where they place the 29-year-old. He will produce.
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