Hodgson to Center Ennis, Stafford

[Teagz]

According to the Buffalo News, newly acquired Cody Hodgson will make his Sabres debut tonight against the Anaheim Ducks, playing on a line with wingers Tyler Ennis (five points in his last six games) and Drew Stafford (three goals in his last four games).

“I’m excited to get going,” Hodgson said after the morning skate Honda Center. “Just try to fit in with the team as best as possible. I’m excited to be here, and hopefully it’s a good fit. I think we can complement each other. I know a few guys already, and I’m looking to have a good time. It’s fun.”

Based on head coach Lindy Ruff’s comments, Hodgson will be in a top-six, second-line center role — a role he rarely filled in Vancouver given the Canucks’ depth down the middle (most notably in Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler).

“[It's] about trying to create two lines that can give us more of a solid offensive look,” Ruff explained. “If we spread it out, we end up going to a three- or four-line look. I think we’d like to take a look at the top two lines getting the bulk of the ice time first.”

Derek Roy will continue centering Buffalo’s top line with Jason Pominville and Tomas Vanek, meaning Ville Leino drops to center the third line between Nathan Gerbe and Patrick Kaleta. Brad Boyes, Matt Ellis and Corey Tropp make up the fourth — add it all up and there’s a big opportunity for Hodgson to play more than the 12:43 he averaged as a Canuck.

“There’s just some tweaks and stuff I’ll have to think about, but on the ice I try not to think too much and just go play,” Hodgson said. “There’s good players, and like I said just try to fit in and do the best I can.”

 

[snipezo]

Nice to know that he's going to get top 6 minute in Buffalo. I think he'll do well there. Excited to see him get shut down by Kesler on Saturday though

 

[Gtown81]

sorry for bumping an old topic, but I can't help but point out to all of you that thought I was crazy when I said Cody wanted out of Vancouver

well he did, there were a lot of problems between him and front office

 

[snipezo]

Surprised Gillis told the truth. Although I'm kinda of disappointed in Cody. Dude could have had his chance to be a star in Vancouver but he just couldn't wait I guess. I like him as a player and all but I just think he didn't handle the situation very well. I really hope Kassian pans out.

 

[Gtown81]

Surprised Gillis told the truth. Although I'm kinda of disappointed in Cody. Dude could have had his chance to be a star in Vancouver but he just couldn't wait I guess. I like him as a player and all but I just think he didn't handle the situation very well. I really hope Kassian pans out.

He didn't want to leave because of the lack of ice time, I'm sure it played a factor, but one of the main reasons he wanted out was because of the relationship he developed with Gillis and Vigneault right off the bat. They actually rushed him to start playing when he had a back injury, one reason why he was out for so long near the beginning of his nucks career. Buffalo's a better fit for him anyways, he'll get much more ice time and Kassian's a much better fit for Vancouver due to his toughness and grit.

 

[snipezo]

He didn't want to leave because of the lack of ice time, I'm sure it played a factor, but one of the main reasons he wanted out was because of the relationship he developed with Gillis and Vigneault right off the bat. They actually rushed him to start playing when he had a back injury, one reason why he was out for so long near the beginning of his nucks career. Buffalo's a better fit for him anyways, he'll get much more ice time and Kassian's a much better fit for Vancouver due to his toughness and grit.

AV is the one to blames mostly. Back when Cody had a poor training camp in 09 (I think) he said Cody had been using it as an excuse which I think was not good for a young players morale. Oh well, I'm not butthurt about Cody getting traded because I think Kassian is going to be a good player.

 

[Gtown81]

ya exactly, both GM's made a smart move imo