The Buffalo Sabres still have a few decisions to make before their opening-night roster is set, and one of the more interesting battles could come down to the final forward spots .
Justin Danforth, Sam Carrick and Beck Malenstyn are three players competing for what looks like one or two spots. All three bring something different to the lineup, but when looking at what Buffalo needs from its fourth line, it seems like Carrick and Malenstyn have the inside track.
That would likely leave Danforth as the odd man out, although that doesn't mean he wouldn't be around. Instead, he could start the season as Buffalo's 13th forward and be one of the first players called upon when an injury happens.
Sabres have three players fighting for limited spots
Danforth is a useful player and has plenty of NHL experience. He can play up and down the lineup, brings some energy and has shown that he can contribute offensively when given the opportunity. The problem is that Carrick and Malenstyn bring some things that are harder to replace.
Carrick is the type of player you want on a fourth line. He brings a physical presence, isn't afraid to get involved in the tougher parts of the game, and can be trusted to handle defensive responsibilities. He doesn't need to put up big offensive numbers to have an impact, which makes him a pretty natural fit in a bottom-six role. He's also a key faceoff contributor.
Malenstyn is similar in terms of importance. He gives Buffalo size and physicality while also being a player who can be used in defensive situations. He can get in on the forecheck, battle for pucks and make life difficult for opposing teams.
That's crucial for Buffalo because the fourth line doesn't need to be another scoring line. The Sabres already have players ahead of these three who are expected to provide most of the offense. What they need from their bottom line is players who can bring energy, defend well and make things uncomfortable for the other team.
That's why Carrick and Malenstyn make a lot of sense together. Danforth could still make this decision difficult, especially if he has a strong training camp. He has the experience to step into the lineup without much of an adjustment, and having a player like him waiting as the 13th forward isn't a bad thing for Buffalo.
But if the Sabres are looking at the roster as a whole, Carrick and Malenstyn seem like the better choices for those final two spots. They give Buffalo a physical fourth line that can handle defensive minutes and bring a different element to the lineup.
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