Hodgson, Cowen Injured

  Buffalo Sabre’s forward Cody Hodgson suffered a set-back as it was announced that he will be out indefinitely with a broken bone in his right hand. Rochester Americans Head Coach Ron Rolston says it will be a few weeks before having his player evaluated.

  Hodgson was injured October 27th, the result of a slash delivered by Adirondack's Brandon Manning. Hodgson is one of the many players to have signed in the American Hockey League during the lockout, and becomes one of the many victims thus far to suffer an injury before the NHL season has gotten under way. In nine games this season, Hodgson has tallied one goal and ten points.

  The 22 year-old was acquired in February by the Sabres from the Vancouver Canucks in a mega deal by the rebuilding Buffalo club. Hodgson was selected 10th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, and spent the majority of 2010-11 in the American Hockey League where he totaled 17 goals and 30 points in 52 games with the Manitoba Moose. He was called up for just 8 games, and tallied one goal and one assists. Last year was his first full NHL season, and in his rookie year he showed the ability to produce points. Due to the trade, Hodgson actually played 83 games (in an 82-game season) and between the two clubs he recorded 19 goals and 41 points.

  It remains to be seen just how long Hodgson will be out, while the Sabres will pay close attention to his recovery – a sure bet to make the roster in 2012-13.

  The Ottawa Senators were dealt a heavy blow on the blue-line with the announcement that Jared Cowen will require surgery on his lower body, to repair a small tear in the labrum – an injury that could sideline him for the entire year.

  Cowen played his first full season with the Senators last year where he appeared in every contest, and finished with 5 goals and 17 points with a -4 rating. Cowen placed fifth on his team amongst defensemen in average time-on-ice, fifth overall (on the team) in blocked shots (74), and second only to forward Chris Neil for most hits with 217. The 2009 9th overall draft pick of the Senators tallied three assists in three contests with the Binghamton Senators, Ottawa’s affiliate.

  Cowen’s large 6’5 230lbs. frame will be greatly missed on the Senators blue-line as he proved to be a great physical presence with strong defensive play in his rookie year. Though the Senators will have a hole to fill, the early season opening may make way for prospects – namely 2012 15th overall pick of the Senators, Cody Ceci. However, after the fun is over, the Senators are likely looking to free agency in an attempt to replace – even if temporarily – their big defenseman. A player that stands out in my mind as a good replacement is a a man that has a history with Ottawa and Eastern Canada as defenseman Chris Campoli has still yet to find a home for 2012-13.Likewise an unrestricted free-agent, veteran defenseman Sean O'Donnell might be a good fit as well at a bargain price.

- Kendall Grubbs