The Buffalo Sabres look like they will be playing Tyson Jost in tonight’s game against the Montreal Canadiens and the move makes a lot of sense.
It’s true that the Buffalo Sabres need all the help they can get, especially on defense in an attempt to stop this onslaught of breakaways, easy power play goals, and methodic puck movement from the opposition. And it’s also true that the Don Granato Effect can have a positive influence on players like Tyson Jost,
Since entering the league as a member of the Colorado Avalanche in 2016-17, Jost has underperformed like none other. As a former first round pick, one would think the center would have more than 112 measly points in 354 outings, but here he stands, as one of the biggest disappointments of the 2016 NHL Draft.
But that doesn’t mean Jost doesn’t have good intangibles. He is a strong skater, he displays tenacity, and he rarely turns the puck over, having logged just 49 career giveaways. General manager Kevyn Adams praised Jost’s overall upside, skating ability, and the fact that he could immediately help on the penalty kill.
Jost makes the Buffalo Sabres a better hockey team
The Sabres have given up a power play goal in eight straight games; not quite what you want to see from the PK unit. Jost can step in and put an end to that suffering, Suffering which has only seemed to have gotten worse, considering how quickly they allowed goals while shorthanded against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jost is also coming to the Queen City with an edge, stating it was “disheartening” for the Avalanche to have traded him back in March. Now that the Minnesota Wild had given up on him and the Sabres scooped him up, you can bet Jost is going to be playing with a massive chip on his shoulder, which further justifies the Sabres starting him.
If Granato can work his magic and bring out the best in Jost, then you just might be looking at yet another resurrected career for a player who has the talent to find his way onto the top six. While I highly doubt Granato will get Tage Thompson-like production out of Jost, look for the head coach to at least bring about more consistent production from the star-crossed center.
Article Source: Sabres Notebook: Waiver claim Tyson Jost looking to find the rhythm he missed in Minnesota by Mike Harrington
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