Shift to the wing looms for Sabres' Hodgson

A late-season experiment appears to have prompted a tactic, as the Buffalo Sabres will attempt to galvanize Cody Hodgson next season by shifting him to the wing on a permanent basis. 

Having underwhelmed since being drafted 10th overall six years ago, Hodgson totalled four goals and eight points in the final nine games of the season playing on Zemgus Girgensons' flank - success Sabres' brass hopes can translate into the fall. 

Hodgson, who slipped past Girgensons and Tyler Ennis in the center-ice depth chart - despite narrowly leading the team in scoring - has no qualms in switching to the wing. 

“I like it,” said Hodgson, via John Vogl of The Buffalo News. “Teddy asked me if I felt comfortable there, and I do. I do feel comfortable, especially with Zemgus. He’s got a lot of speed and opens up so much room.

“Wherever he wants to put me, I’ll play.”

Handcuffed by defensive woes, Hodgson's scoring prowess has yet to be untapped since coming over in a trade from the Vancouver Canucks in 2012. Thus, in moving him to the wing, the Sabres are hopeful that they can mask the liabilities that have hindered a true break-out season.