Buffalo Sabres: Kozak can evolve into a perennial lower-liner
If there is one Buffalo Sabres prospect who would help negate the Blue and Gold’s weaknesses, it’s forward Tyson Kozak, as he’s shown in 2022-23.
While many Buffalo Sabres fans are keeping an eye on Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, and Lukas Rousek, among others over in Rochester, you can make the argument that Tyson Kozak could provide just as much value to the Blue and Gold. And no, we won’t see Kozak in Buffalo next season, and perhaps not even the following year, but given his unique skill set, he could eventually wind up in the Queen City.
Although Kozak has put up more than his fair share of points with the Rochester Americans during the postseason, including on an incredible assist, he showed little scoring prowess in the regular season. But don’t mistake Kozak for being unproductive, as he developed a reputation as a defensive forward, and one who is capable of winning faceoffs.
It’s true the Sabres have power forwards and guys like Peyton Krebs who are physical in their game, but none are consistent in winning faceoffs, and this is where Kozak excels. He has also made a name for himself on the penalty kill, and if his team needs a spark, we also know Kozak can give it to them.
Tyson Kozak may evolve into a perennial role player with Buffalo Sabres
Because there will be no room on the active roster for 2023-24, and likely, not even 2024-25, don’t expect Kozak to don a blue and gold uniform unless injuries strike the team. If there is room, however, come 2025-26, or if the Sabres are still looking for an effective shutdown defensive forward, they may need to look no further than Kozak.
He will be a restricted free agent following the 2024-25 season, so the front office would need to bring him back, but given the way he fell into such a role in Rochester this season, expect Kozak to keep growing into it over the next two years. Overall, given his style of play, it doesn’t look like Kozak will be anything more than a lower-liner in the NHL, but he will nonetheless be an effective one.
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You can also expect him to be effective on the penalty kill, and in winning faceoffs with the game on the line. For now, though, keep an eye on him in Rochester and enjoy his growth.
Source: Sabres prospect Tyson Kozak having an ‘incredibly impressive’ rookie season with Amerks by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com