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After being bought out by the Sabres, Hodgson came to terms with the Sabres on a cheap, one-year contract during the offseason. The once-promising prospect is coming off a disastrous year in Buffalo in which he managed just 13 points (six goals) and a career-worst minus-28 rating in 78 games. Still only 25 years old, Hodgson was in need of a fresh start -- something he’ll get in Nashville, in addition to the luxury of playing with some very skilled offensive forwards. While the top-six is crowded at the moment, Hodgson could potentially slot in on the third line and be a key depth scorer in the Music City. Hodgson only saw 12:50 of ice time last season and wasn’t used on the power play, so if he can get some quality minutes and play his way on to Nashville’s second man-advantage unit, a rebound season is most definitely in store. Only two years removed from a career-high 20-goal campaign, Hodgson is a gifted offensive talent who simply can’t dip any lower than he did last year, if for no other reason than his vastly improved team context.
A late-season change to the left wing did wonders for the talented Hodgson, while a successful stint with Team Canada at the World Championships further cemented him in that position. Although he possesses good vision and the ability to create offense, poor skating has always been a hindrance. By moving to the wing, Hodgson should be able to simplify his game by assuming fewer defensive responsibilities. The Sabres lack depth down the middle and may still use Hodgson, who led the team in scoring in 2013-14, as a center. Either way, Hodgson is expected to be a key offensive cog and is penciled in as a top-six player. With a healthy season he should be able to shatter his career high of 44 points, which he set last year.
Hodgson earned the role of first line center and blossomed to 34 points in 48 games during his first full season with the Sabres organization. A restricted free agent, it stands to reason that he and the Sabres will strike a deal prior to training camp. Simply put, he’s starting to realize the potential that made him an attractive commodity in keeper leagues since being drafted 10th overall in 2008. Hodgson is trending well and should eclipse the 50-point mark, but could see his production taper off if Thomas Vanek is dealt away.
Hodgson struggled after being acquired at the trade deadline from Vancouver, but showed flashes of brilliance with three multi-point games in March. There's a reason he's been considered one of hockey's top prospects since being drafted in 2008, and patient fantasy owners have high hopes. The Sabres thought enough of Hodgson to send budding power forward Zack Kassian back to Vancouver. Look for Hodgson to approach 50 points playing a top-six role in Buffalo, something he couldn't cement in Vancouver.
Hodgson made a quiet debut with the Canucks in 2010-11, finishing with two points in eight games while seeing limited ice time. Despite the lack of fireworks during his NHL debut, Hodgson remains one of the better prospects in hockey. He finally appears to be over the back issues that plagued him for the past two seasons, and with Ryan Kesler (hip) expected to miss up to the first month of the regular season, Hodgson may get a shot at significant ice time for the Canucks. If given the opportunity, Hodgson has the talent to be one of the better scoring options in the 2011-12 rookie class.
After finding himself near the top of most prospects list the past couple years, Hodgson took a step backwards last season. The 2008 first-round pick dealt with a back injury that held him out of action until early February. He managed to showcase his first-line skills after returning, racking up 30 points (11 G, 19 A) in 24 regular season and playoff appearances with Brampton of the OHL. Hodgson was close to landing a gig with the Canucks last year and will get another shot in training camp this fall. He’s a legit rookie-of-the-year candidate if he can secure a spot on the Canucks’ roster, so keep him on your radar.
Hodgson is one of the top prospects in all of hockey. He finished his third season with Brampton of the OHL last year, totaling 43 goals and 49 assists in 53 games while taking home league MVP honors. He's expected to make the Canucks' roster out of training camp and will likely center the team's third line. Rookies often struggle, but Hodgson is considered one of the favorites for the Calder Memorial Trophy and could become a fantasy mainstay for years to come.
Compared to Edmonton's Sam Gagne, Hodgson is the Canucks' top offensive prospect. He is training hard this preseason with hopes of making the team as an 18-year-old. Hodgson is definitely worth a late flier if he lands a roster spot.
