The Buffalo News notes the Rochester Americans have gone 5-7-1 without Hodgson, who will center one of the Sabres’ top two lines when the NHL lockout ends.
“Obviously, you know how good Cody is and what he can mean to a team in more ways than one with his leadership and his offensive ability,” coach Ron Rolston said. “It’s been a day-to-day thing [with the hand]. I think now it’s more of the strength of it and the functionality of what he can do out there. We’re hoping on Saturday, but we’ll see how it goes.”
T.J. Brennan, who played 11 games for the Sabres last season, remains the go-to defenseman. He ranks fourth among AHL blue-liners with 18 points and is tied for the team lead with nine goals.
“Offensively, he’s always had that ability,” Rolston said of Brennan, who totaled 32 goals the previous two seasons. “That’s a gift of his, his shot, his vision, his ability to make plays and make things happen offensively with his instincts and tools. He’s becoming a better defender.”
Forward Marcus Foligno, another player who will be in Buffalo should the NHL return, leads the Amerks with 21 points. He’s recorded six goals and 15 assists.
“He plays a major role on the team in terms of asking him every night to produce offensively but also be a physical presence for us,” Rolston said. “In this league, that takes a lot of energy in the way he plays, the physical nature that he plays with. Whether he’s got the puck or he doesn’t have the puck, we want him to be an attacking player.”