The Buffalo Sabres have GOT to find a way to replace Anders Bjork. While he has 211 NHL games of experience, there are better options.
Anders Bjork has been one of very few hopeless products on the ice in a Buffalo Sabres season that is supposed to be full of hope. And while Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News is correct in pointing out there are few players in the system ready to be the team’s 14th skater, I did find two who could take on the role immediately.
Further, I also like one free agent who just got released from a PTO who can also fill in the role. And no, that free agent is not Cody Eakin, in case you are wondering. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if general manager Kevyn Adams said, “ight, whatever,” and brought the pedestrian center back. Anyway, here are two players and a free agent that can replace Bjork.
Two players in the Buffalo Sabres system to replace Bjork
The first is Riley Sheahan, who is day-to-day with an injury. Sheahan, like Bjork, is fringe on the main roster and he could even wind up with the Amerks about 20 minutes after you read this post. Or before, considering when you cross it. Anyway, Sheahan has more offensive upside than Bjork and he can also win faceoffs.
Brett Murray was one of 21 in the Buffalo Sabres system sent down to Rochester during the first wave of cuts. Murray is a physical player who performed admirably during his 19 games with the Buffalo Sabres in 2021-22. He would make for a good enforcer this year.
Or bring in a free agent? Sonny Milano?
How Milano is having such a tough time finding a team, I’ll never know. The Calgary Flames released the winger from his PTO, which could give the Sabres a solid puzzle piece to throw into the rotation or even perhaps permanently onto the fourth line.
Last season, Milano impressed with 34 points (14 + 20), so it’s not like he can’t play. He also logged a 14.9% shooting percentage, giving him an accurate shot. If the Sabres released Bjork and signed Milano tomorrow, this team instantly just got better.
Article Source: Anders Bjork wants to ‘show that fire’ in final days of Sabres training camp by Lance Lysowski