Just wanted to discuss a couple of key issues the Sabres are going to have over the next few years.
What is this goalie situation going to look like in Buffalo?
The Sabres have always had good goaltenders in the past, and they still do now. Whether Ryan Miller ends up getting traded, the Sabres are going to have a dilemma between the pipes. Right now, Miller is obviously the #1 goaltender.
It seems like Jhonas Enroth has been waiting in the wings for his chance to shine. At 25 years old, how much longer is he going to have to wait before getting the chance to be a starter, or will he ever be? Even if Miller is traded at some point, Enroth still may not be the starter as Matt Hackett could split time with him.
Still with Enroth and Hackett possibly splitting time, that leaves Connor Knapp, Nathan Lieuwen or Andrey Makarov all fighting for playing time in Rochester.
It's not a bad problem to have, but there simply isn't room for everyone.
The Sabres had David Leggio in Rochester, but he is now with the Capitals.
Who will be the captain?
I've been thinking about this for a while, but there are a few candidates I would like to see get the C. The Sabres currently do not have a true leader on the team. There are some NHL teams that actually have a legitmate captain who steps up when needed and shows leadership. Buffalo doesn't have a player like this as of now. So who could earn it?
My first thought is Steve Ott. He's not going to put up 80 points in a season, but he can be a leader in other ways. He can protect other players, and although he isn't the best fighter, he is willing to drop the gloves. Usually, NHL teams don't award the C to players like Ott. He'll take a lot of penalty minutes, but he plays with heart, had a great first season in Buffalo, and has really found his place here. However, we still need to see how he does in a full season with the Sabres.
How about Thomas Vanek? No thanks. As much as I love Vanek has his ridiculous hockey skills, points alone are not going to get him the C. He's been here awhile, but it's mostly just offense from him. I don't view him as a leader.
If I had to give the C to a current player on the roster, I would choose Cody Hodgson. There are a couple of reasons. First off, the Sabres are rebuilding and I truly believe Hodgson is going to be a centerpiece of the revamped team in a few years. I think he is going to excel and become a great player.
At 23 years old, I'd give him the C and let him know how important he is to the hockey club. He hasn't exactly played a full season with one team, but he has put up decent numbers every year. He has a lot of hockey ahead of him and he's my pick for the next Sabres captain, barring any big trade acquisition.
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