Mar 6, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson (19) celebrates with left wing Marcus Foligno (82) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. The Sabres won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Part 2 of our Buffalo Sabres preview looks at a projected roster and salary cap situation for the team that finished dead last in the league last season:
FORWARDS
Matt Moulson – Cody Hodgson – Brian Gionta
Chris Stewart – Tyler Ennis – Drew Stafford
Marcus Foligno – Zemgus Girgensons – Mikhail Grigorenko
Patrick Kaleta – Cody McCormick – Torrey Mitchell
EXTRAS – Brian Flynn
The Sabres were woeful last season, finishing last in goals for. Adding some veterans like Gionta and Mitchell might help the learning curve of the young players, but they will not add much offense themselves. They seem to be a placeholder until the likes of Girgensons, Foligno and Grigorenko mature and can hold down top 6 roles. Not included on this list is Sam Reinhart, the 2nd overall pick who could very well be in the opening day lineup for the Sabres with a solid training camp. The 13 forwards on the roster account for just over $35M in cap space.