COVER TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................... 1 CONTRIBUTIONS ....................................... 2 INTRODUCTION .............................. 3
TOP 32 PLAYER PROFILES ........................ 4 - 35
TOP 100 CONSOLIDATED 1-100 RANKINGS ................... 36-37
SABRES DRAFT TARGETS 1ST ROUND DRAFT TARGETS ........................ 38 - 49 2ND - 7TH ROUND DRAFT TARGETS ................. 50 - 72
FIRST ROUND MOCK DRAFT PICKS 1-32 ........................ 73 - 78
SABRES FARM SYSTEM OVERVIEW GRADUATES ........................ 79 - 81 PROSPECT PYRAMID ........................ 82 - 88
WELCOME TO THE 2ND EDITION OF THE CHARGING BUFFALO DRAFT GUIDE! IN THIS EDITION, THE TCB CREW COVERS THE 2021 NHL DRAFT COMPLETE WITH RANKINGS, IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS ON THE TOP 32, POTENTIAL TARGETS FOR THE SABRES, A MOCK DRAFT AND UPDATES ON SABRES PROSPECTS. AS WAS THE CASE LAST YEAR, COVID-19 MADE SCOUTING DIFFERENT THAN MOST ARE ACCUSTOMED TO, AND SAW MANY PLAYERS FIND UNUSUAL PLACES TO PLAY HOCKEY IN A CRITICAL YEAR FOR THEIR CAREERS. THE OHL NEVER WAS ABLE TO GET STARTED AND SOME JUNIOR LEAGUES IN EUROPE HAD TO END PREMATURELY DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. GIVEN THIS, THE SCOUTING LANDSCAPE WAS EVER CHANGING WITH THE DRAFT ELIGIBLE PROSPECTS. WITH A SABRES REBUILD SEEMING ALL BUT A CERTAINTY, THIS DRAFT IS CRUCIAL TO ENSURING THINGS GET TURNED AROUND, ESPECIALLY WITH BUFFALO OWNING 1ST OVERALL IN THE 2021 DRAFT. KEVYN ADAMS AND HIS SCOUTING STAFF SURPRISED MANY WITH THEIR 1ST ROUND SELECTION LAST YEAR, SO IT’S NOT OUT OF THE REALM OF POSSIBILITIES THAT THEY GO AGAINST THE GRAIN THIS SEASON WHILE HE DOES NOT SIT ATOP THE TCB RANKINGS, OWEN POWER SEEMS TO BE LOCKED IN AS THE 1ST OVERALL PICK AND WOULD BECOME THE FIRST DEFENDER TO BE SELECTED AT THE TOP OF THE DRAFT SINCE FLORIDA TOOK AARON EKBLAD IN 2014. TEAMMATES OF POWER AT MICHIGAN, MATTHEW BENIERS, AND KENT JOHNSON ARE LIKELY TO HAVE THEIR NAMES CALLED EARLY AS SOME OF THE TOP FORWARDS IN THIS DRAFT CLASS. WILLIAM EKLUND TOPPED CENTRAL SCOUTING’S EUROPEAN RANKS AND IS HIGHLY REGARDED BY THE TCB CREW AS A COMPLETE AND SKILLED FORWARD. FROM A GOALTENDING PERSPECTIVE JESPER WALLSTEDT, IS THE CONSENSUS TOP PROSPECT AND IS LIKELY TO GO IN THE TOP 10 AFTER HIS EXCELLENT SHOWING IN THE SHL THIS PAST SEASON. GOALIES ARE HARD TO PROJECT BUT WALLSTEDT IS SHOWING INDICATIONS EARLY ON THAT HE WILL BE READY FOR THE NHL SOONER RATHER THAN LATER. OVERALL, THIS DRAFT CLASS IS WIDE OPEN AND TRYING TO PREDICT IT WOULD BE A FOOL’S ERRAND. WHILE IT MAY NOT HAVE THE FLASHY PROSPECT AT THE TOP OF THE CLASS, THERE’S A LOT OF DEPTH TO THIS CLASS WITH NOT MUCH SEPARATING GUYS AFTER THE TOP 15. WITH VERY FEW LIVE VIEWINGS THIS YEAR, IT’S GOING TO ADD TO THE RANDOMNESS OF HOW SCOUTS FOR NHL CLUBS RANKED THESE PLAYERS WHICH WILL MAKE DRAFT DAY VERY EXCITING. WE HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY THIS YEARS’ VERSION OF THE TCB DRAFT GUIDE AND ARE OPEN TO ANY FEEDBACK ABOUT HOW TO CONTINUE IMPROVING THIS CONTENT ALONG WITH PROVIDING MORE IN DEPTH COVERAGE OF THE NHL DRAFT AND SABRES PROSPECTS.
ENJOY!
Eklund was one of the highest risers in the 2021 NHL draft class after a very hot start in the SHL this season. When you account for draft year production, not many players in the history of the SHL have out-produced Eklund. That list includes the likes of the Sedin twins, Nick Backstrom, and Elias Lindholm. Even when you look at last season with Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz being selected in the top seven of the draft, Eklund produced more than both of them when you compare draft years. What Eklund has done in his draft year is nothing short of impressive . Eklund can play either center or wing, but at the NHL level, he projects more as a winger. He is a play-driver who can play in all situations and will be a goal scoring threat at the NHL level. His scoring ability is high, but his ability to make plays with his great vision and passing will make him an elite level player in the NHL. His defensive game isn’t nearly as good as the offensive side, but he is not a defensive liability by any means. Eklund had COVID right before the IIHF World Junior Championship, so he was unable to play for team Sweden. If he was able to play, he is likely the consensus first pick in the draft. Eklund will likely be a very good top-six forward when he reaches the NHL in 2-3 years. It is not a stretch to think that in 3-5 years, Eklund will be regarded as the best player to come out of this draft class. Whichever team selects Eklund in the top 10 will be a very lucky team.
Matthew Beniers is arguably the most well-rounded prospect of the 2021 NHL Draft. Without a doubt, he’s the most fundamentally sound player in the entire class. He’s a very talented skater, has an incredibly high motor and boasts elite playmaking capabilities. Beniers can efficiently stickhandle in ridiculously tight areas with a great deal of success, and is a constant pain for defenders when on the forecheck. In transition, Beniers is such a force. He is a threat when it comes to controlled zone entries, often drawing at least one player on his back. The more defenders he can take on, the more open ice becomes available for his linemates to exploit, and the larger the chances of high-danger scoring chances. Defensively, Beniers is a magnet to the puck, and can help force attackers to give it up. He’s not afraid to dig in low and assist his defencemen if they’re under heavy pressure, and can play the man along the boards quite well. Beniers is also able to escape any sort of pressure in the defensive zone with the puck on his stick, utilizing his quick decision-making skills and great edges. Whichever team selects Beniers at this summer’s Entry Draft will be getting an elite level center prospect with potential to be a franchise player.
It’s not every year where the near consensus 1st overall pick among the NHL community is a 6’6” defenseman. Oftentimes, this would be a situation that would raise red flags among NHL fans; is the player actually good, or do they just tower over their peers? While Power is not our top rated player, we still highly value him as a prospect. He had a solid draft year at the University of Michigan, recording 16 points in 26 games while being strong transitionally and a nice driver of expected offense. He does a lot of things very well for a defenseman at his age and we saw a lot of these traits shine through for Team Canada at the IIHF World Championship. He shows great mobility when navigating the blueline in the offensive zone and has a great amount of skill for a big man. He has the ability to find seams and rip pinpoint passes to his teammates, allowing him to be an especially effective player in transition. There are still some areas that need to be worked on in order for Power to become an all-situations #1 defenseman. He tends to be too passive in front of his own net at times, leading to unnecessary dangerous chances. He can be caught reaching on plays where shouldn’t be. His play in the defensive zone needs some cleaning up, but he is also an 18 year-old whose only competition in 2020/21 were older players in the NCAA and pro players in the IIHF. At the end of the day, Power is a defenseman prospect with very intriguing tools and I can certainly see why an NHL team would be willing to take a chance on him with the 1st overall pick. He has what it takes to be a #1 defenseman at the next level, but proper development will be crucial.
Clarke is talented two-way defender with the size and toolkit to be effective on both ends of the ice. His draft stock was tempered a bit by the lack of an OHL season, but Clarke was able to get a loan to HC Nove Zamky in Slovakia and had a nice showing in a professional league. Clarke led his team in Slovakia with 0.58 points per game and logged big minutes for Zamky. Like many “modern day defenseman” Clarke loves to jump into the rush; there is very few shifts that he doesn’t activate and try to help his team generate offensive pressure. His IQ and ability to read the opposing defense are a big part of his effectiveness on offense. Add in his passing and vision, and he is one of the more lethal defenders when attacking on the rush. On the defensive side, he relies on his ability to play within the defensive structure and his defensive stick to be effective against his opponent’s attack. He projects as a top-4 at the next level and once he works out a few mechanical issues in his skating, I think the transition to the NHL will be quick and smooth for Clarke.
Strong showings in a shortened WHL season and the U18 Tournament have rocketed Dylan Guenther up many draft boards. The dynamic winger is a very balanced playmaker and scorer which makes life for defenders difficult. Guenther uses changes of speed to open up space for himself and never gives away whether he’s going to pass or shoot. Gaining controlled entry into the offensive zone allows Guenther to dictate the pace of the game in which he can draw defenders towards him with the intention of opening up opportunities for his linemates. Guenther is also able to make passes into high danger areas that are not easy to pull off. When watching Guenther, he can score in a variety of ways which again, adds to the deeption in his game. Building up some more muscle is necessary for Guenther to elevate his game to the next level and will only improve other facets of his game like the velocity of his shot. Defensively, Guenther is able to apply pressure to opponents without taking himself out of position as he has a good overall awareness of where he needs to be. There’s not many holes in Guenther’s game as he is a very well rounded winger that projects very well as he continues his development.
One of the youngest prospects in the 2021 NHL Draft (and youngest of the 3 Hughes brothers), Luke Hughes is probably the best skater in the entire class. Hughes leaves a little bit to be desired when it comes to his shot and shooting accuracy, but he definitely makes up for it with his elite puck-moving abilities. Hughes excels at producing offensively while still being very effective in his own zone. His game correlates very much with his older brother, Quinn, as both are very talented offensively and great in transition. Hughes’ hands are incredibly soft, which allow him to flow through all three zones of the ice and create offensive chances almost at will. Defensively, Hughes can effectively shut down the top offensive players with little difficulty, often utilizing his talented poke-checking skills. There’s a lot of similarities to his older brother Quinn’s game which should make many people optimistic about his future. Committed to attend University of Michigan next season, Hughes will only increase their odds of making a National Championship run.
Lysell is an electric talent who is sure to pull fans out of their seats with some of the skill plays he can pull off. He really showed off his talent at the junior level in Sweden and at the IIHF U18 World Juniors in May. His combination of speed and skill is absolutely lethal at times. The main concerns regarding Lysell are due to his production, or lack thereof, at the SHL level. He only managed to record 3 points in 26 games, albeit on limited ice time. There were also some concerns about his lack of creativity when playing up at the pro level, but he did show high-end moves from time to time. There is no denying the ability that Lysell displayed at the junior level amongst his peers. So there is good reason to get excited about a player like Lysell and his ceiling, especially in a draft that does not have a lot of prospects who rate out as high ceiling players. A high energy forward who possesses an arsenal of puck moves would be a welcome addition to any team’s prospect pool. Lysell is a player who has a decent chance of slipping outside of the top 10 in the 2021 NHL Draft. If a team manages to snag him in the middle of the 1st round, they could very well have a steal of a pick on their hands. You could be looking at a top line skill guy with Lysell if he can work on translating the game we see in juniors to the pros. At worst, a team will be getting an effective middle six energy guy.
McTavish was somewhat of a forgotten prospect because of the circumstances of a covid riddled 2020-2021 season. He was not able to play for the Peterborough Petes of the OHL because there was no season, so he had to take his talents to the Swiss league, where he put up very respectable numbers. Where McTavish really opened the eyes of scouts was the IIHF world U18 tournament. He put up an impressive 11 points in 7 games to help team Canada win the gold medal. McTavish possesses elite shooting ability and I would describe it as effortless. He is going to score a lot of goals when he reaches the NHL. His skating could use some work but I wouldn’t say that he is a bad skater by any means. McTavish is a physical presence on the ice and is a threat in front of the net. He already has NHL-ready size and is one of the few players in this class who may be ready to play in the NHL right away, despite it not being best move for his development. McTavish isn’t that far away from being an NHL contributor and projects to be a top six forward. I believe that he will be able to play center at the NHL level.
Between Knight, Askarov and now Wallstedt we’ve seen some of the best goalie prospects to enter the league in a long time, and there can be arguments that Wallstedt may be the best of the three. Standing at 6-3, 214 lbs, Wallstedt has a bigger frame than the other prospects listed above and his production in the SHL has been amazing for an 18-year-old goalie. In 23 career SHL games, Wallstedt is 12-11-0 with a .909 SV% and a 2.21 GAA. His frame and athleticism are off the charts but it is his ability to understand the angles of attack and to be in the right position all the time that make him a spectacular prospect. Unlike other goalie prospects who often rely on their athleticism to make highlight reel saves, Wallstedt always finds himself in position and makes the easy technical saves that you would expect from an NHL goalie. He will make it three straight years with a first-round goalie and there is a real chance he gets drafted in the top-10, something Knight or Askarov didn’t accomplish.
Edvinsson is yet another intriguing 6’5” defenseman at the top of the 2021 NHL Draft, but he is a bit more boom-bust than some of the other prospects ranked around him. He is one of the more polarizing prospects in this class; some scouts are enamored by his potential while others question his ability to ever reach it. The U18 World Championship created more questions surrounding Edvinsson than it answered. There were some instances where he would get caught flat-footed off the rush, relying too heavily on his long reach. There were other instances where his size and mobility made him seem borderline dominant against his peers. It is hard not to be intrigued by a defenseman of his size that can comfortably handle the puck and pull off some nice moves. He plays with that confidence and aggressiveness that many NHL teams love to see out of their big defensemen. The big debate is whether he will be able to fix some of the deficiencies in his game and become a top pair NHL defenseman. Come draft day, there may very well be an NHL team who likes Edvinsson a lot and believes that he can be developed into a top pairing player. He may even go much higher than projected. However, there is still much to be cautious about as he is far from a safe pick this high in the draft.
Kent Johnson is your typical boom or bust type of player in this draft class. He has a very high ceiling and when you look back at this draft five years from now, he could very well be one of the best players in the class. Adversely, his floor is arguably the lowest out of the group who projects to go in the top 10. Johnson is very gifted offensively and there is a ton of offensive upside there. The issue with him is more so his defensive game. If he isn’t able to carve out a top six role on a team when he reaches the NHL, it may not be easy for him to adjust into a more defensive role in the bottom six. If Johnson reaches his potential in the NHL, you’re looking at a top line player. He projects more as a winger than a center though. Not many players in yhe 2021 draft can do what Johnson can do with the puck. His pure skill and offensive upside make him an interesting target in the top 10.
The one aspect of Chaz Lucius’ game where there aren’t many questions to be asked is his talent in the offensive zone. Simply put, he scores goals. A lot of them. Lucius missed some time to begin the 2020/21 campaign, but certainly made up for it in his return, tallying 38 points (26 goals, 12 assists) in 25 GP for the USNTDP U-18’s. Defensively, Lucius is surprisingly efficient. Lucius can anticipate an attacker’s moves and disrupt plays quite often. His explosiveness while skating could use a boost, but otherwise, Lucius is a ridiculously talented, versatile forward who has amazing vision on the ice, and is a very good playmaker.
Sillinger isn’t necessarily the fastest player on the ice but uses his high hockey IQ to set himself up in good positions such that he doesn’t need elite speed. Improving on his skating mechanics from the year prior, Sillinger was one of the better players for Sioux Falls of the USHL and is one of the top goal scorers from this draft class. Sillinger is at his best in the offensive zone and possesses an ultra quick release to beat goalies from as far out as the top of the circle at times. There’s a versatility to the way Sillinger scores his goals though as he can find open areas in the slot where he goes unnoticed and is able to easily cash in on loose pucks. There’s potential for Sillinger to become a better playmaker as he flashes the ability to thread passes through tight windows accurately but defers to his shot more often than not. Along the boards, Sillinger is able to evade pressure well and maintain possession of the puck. In the defensive end, Sillinger has some room to clean up his play that can be corrected with some mental discipline to not over pursue the puck and engage when appropriate. From a talent perspective alone, Sillinger is in the upper echelon for this draft class and has the makings of a top 6 forward in the NHL.
Arguably the most complete 2-way player in this draft class, Russian center, Fyodor Svechkov plays a style very reminiscent of Anton Lundell. Boasting a very mature game in the 2nd highest league in Russia, Svechkov has an active stick when defending in his own end, showing a deceptive ability to intercept passes. Svechkov has excellent awareness for recognizing when a controlled exit/ entry is not possible and will elect to turn back to reset for another attempt instead of relinquishing the puck. With Svechkov, he has solid offensive traits that leave some untapped potential from a production standpoint. His shot could use some work along with areas where he takes his shots but this is somewhat of a byproduct of Svechkov being more of a playmaker than a shooter. With his good speed and strength, Svechkov protects the puck very well from attackers and can drive to high danger areas where he can set up teammates or himself for scoring opportunities. What really sets Svechkov apart from a puck possession standpoint in this draft class is how good he is at identifying whether a controlled zone entry has a higher chance of succeeding by taking it in himself, or passing it off to a teammate. Joining St. Petersburg in the KHL next season, Svechkov should continue his development in an upward direction as one of the closest NHL ready prospects in 2021.
Othmann is one of the best goal scoring prospects available in the class, hoisting a lethal shot that can beat the goalie from anywhere in the offensive zone. He can produce both on and off the puck, with capablity of driving the play and creating for himself or using his IQ to find soft spots in the opposing defence to get open for easy shots. He uses a combination of lightning-quick hands and a diverse rush attack, allowing him to get into the areas to use his shot. While he needs more time to develop, there is little doubt that his shot is already at an NHL level. Othmann’s game goes way beyond his shot and ability to generate offence, he is an agitator every time he steps foot on the ice. He loves to get involved physically, during the play or after the whistle, it doesn’t matter. Given the unique circumstances in the world the past year he was able to play professional hockey in Switzerland. Once he got through his adjustment period, he was able to settle in and show why he should be considered a top prospect.
Stankoven is a very skilled and energetic center who plays as if he is several inches taller than he is listed. There’s rarely a moment during his shifts where his feet are not moving as he’s constantly applying pressure to the puck carrier at both ends of the ice while also not taking himself out of position. Stankoven does an excellent job gaining leverage against larger opponents and frequently wins board battles for the puck. There’s no hesitation in Stankoven’s game to get up the ice and he is a possession freak with how well he performs controlled zone exits and entries. While creative with the puck, Stankoven is definitely more of a shooter and has a deadly release. Stankoven can score from just about anywhere and has an eye for finding the best areas to take his shots, many of which come in the high danger areas. With his speed and agility, Stankoven is a really complete player with a lot of talent, though he appears to be someone who likely falls due to the NHL bias against smaller players. Stankoven is definitely a prospect who has all of the tools and intangibles to be a 2nd line winger in the NHL, and one who many won’t believe fell so far in a few years.
Simon Robertsson is one of the better offensive weapons in the draft. He is arguably the best shooter and during his time in the J20 league in Sweden, he was very productive as he produced 20 points in 15 games. His production was not good during his stint in the SHL with Skelleftea although as a draft eligible playing in a pro league, that shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Robertsson played in more of a defensive, bottom-six role so I would expect a massive jump in production next season as he climbs up the depth chart for Skelleftea. His shot isn’t his only appealing quality that makes him a first round talent in the 2021 draft. Robertsson is also a very good skater and possesses strong hockey IQ, a package will make him an effective player at the NHL level. He projects as a complete player who should be able to play up and down the lineup and play on the power play and penalty kill. He’s a no-brainer as a first round pick.
Before the season started, Carson Lambos seemed like a sure bet to be a top 10, maybe even top 5 pick in the 2021 draft. Due to the craziness that was this season, he bounced around quite a bit. He spent the beginning of the season in Finland and even earned a promotion up to the men’s JYP team after a nice stint with their U20 club. His time with the men’s JYP team would be short as he only played 2 games, then he would come back to the WHL to play for Winnipeg, only lasting 2 games after an injury derailed the rest of his draft year. Certainly a reason for his drop in most draft rankings. I see some offensive upside here with Lambos. I think he’s a pretty safe bet to be an NHL player and there’s potential to be a top pairing defenseman still. He has some size to him and can skate well and has offensive tools. He’s the type of player who will excel at the NHL level once he gets there in a couple seasons. Teams will regret letting him fall far in the 2021 draft.
Nikita Chibrikov is a highly-skilled right winger currently suiting up in the SKA-St. Petersburg system. A talented playmaking forward, Chibrikov has an eye for the net, and can certainly hold his own in the crease, with or without the puck on his stick. He’s an excellent forechecker and loves to pressure opposing defenders into turning the puck over. Defensively, Chibrikov is simply exceptional. He’s quite good at disrupting play and forcing turnovers in the defensive zone, and loves to clog up the passing lanes with his active stick. Chibrikov’s grit is another impressive aspect to his game. He can effectively be a thorn in the opponents side and knock them off their game.
Pinelli is a crafty playmaking center who uses a combination of skill and IQ to create openings in the opposing defence and takes advantage of those lanes with ease because of his puck skills. His speed and edgework make him a great skater, he has no issues keeping up with the pace of play and has a knack for dictating the pace himself. An elite transition talent, his skating, vision and playmaking abilities make him the best option to carry the puck every time he’s on the ice. He thrives with the puck on his stick, he drove play in the OHL for Kitchener and showed that he can translate that to another level when playing against men in Slovenia during the pandemic. The WJC-18 tournament cemented his draft status as he was one of Canada’s most productive players. He showed that he can be an effective scorer as well as a playmaker. Pinelli has all the makings of a second-line center and will be a team-favourite because of his tools and the way he approaches the game.
Olausson is a tall winger who spent his time with many programs from the Swedish U20 league, to Allsvenskan, and all the way up to the SHL for HV71. Olausson is excellent at scanning the ice to evaluate where he needs to go, especially in the offensive end. The minor adjustments Olausson makes to his positioning enables him to get open and go uncovered in some instances. Olausson has shown the versatility to play either wing thus far and plays with a great sense of calmness when in possession of the puck. He is one of those players that isn’t flying around the ice as he is strategically using his energy when truly needed, so he is an efficient player from that standpoint. Because Olausson processes the game so well, he is able to anticipate plays by the opponent to break up plays and get in shooting lanes to block shots. Given his height, Olausson does look a bit slight, so building some strength to fill out can make him a very effective puck possession forward in the future.
Rosén is one of the more fun offensive players who will be available in this area of the 2021 NHL Draft. What he may lack in size is made up for with his fluid skating and great pace. He has the skill set that allows him to beat defenders clean in 1v1 situations. Another part of his game that should be mentioned is his shooting ability. We saw this on display at the U18 World Championship as he managed to rip home some goals from the dots on Sweden’s power play. He is great at making pre-shot adjustments and has the ability to deliver a puck with great accuracy. He is yet another Swedish prospect who was dominant at the junior level, but did not show as much at the SHL level. However enough evidence can be drawn from his performances against his junior peers to conclude that he has a lot of great traits in his game. His tenacity is already present at the pro level, but we should see some of that skill start to shine through as he builds more strength and comfortability. A team really cannot go wrong with an energetic offensive player that has a pop of skill to their game in the latter part of the 1st round. Rosén may never be that high-end winger who can take over games on his own, but he will at least be a solid complementary winger who can play with pace and pot some goals when needed.
Coronato attacks the game in such a way that will impress just about every scout that watches him. He’s capable of playing in all areas of the ice, and can be trusted at 5v5, 5v4 and on the penalty kill. Coronato is definitely unafraid to go into the dirty areas of the ice, and more often than not, comes out of the scrum with possession of the puck. He is awesome in transition, and can move the puck freely and quickly through the neutral zone with ease. He can pinpoint the perfect time for a breakout pass, and deliver it on the tape with little to no difficulty. Consistency is a huge factor for Coronato, who began this past season on a 19-game point streak. Look for him to continue to impress for the Harvard Crimson next season.
Samoskevich has a high offensive IQ that allows him to excel in the offensive zone both with and without the puck. His toolbox features excellent all-around skating ability, a powerful shot, and deceptiveness with the puck. He has great speed and quick strides that allow him to get up to speed in a flash. He drives play off transition and uses his body’s frame to his advantage driving the net against defenders to create scoring opportunities. Samoskevich can create both as a scorer and as a playmaker, adjusting his form of attack throughout the game depending on what the defense gives him. As a winger he shows the potential to be an offensive play driver; he has the skill to create both off the rush and off the cycle. His strength is in his offense, but he is not a slouch in the defensive game either. He attacks the opposition with his speed and has the presence of mind to use his stick to disrupt plays in his own zone. Samoskevich’s aggressive mindset can cause him to fly the zone a little early, but it’s nothing that can’t be coached out of him.
Räty was once in the mix for the #1 pick in this draft class, and while the hype and his play have started to regress, there is still a lot to like in Räty’s game. He has the IQ and the two-way ability to project to the NHL level despite the lack of offensive production over the last two seasons. Räty plays the game the right way, he doesn’t go outside of the team’s structure and doesn’t try to do anything outside of his own comfort zone. He reads the play well and has the vision and puck skills to break down the opposing team’s defence but he lacks the confidence to do it on a regular basis. Once projected as a sure-fire top-6 center by some, Räty has seen his stock and NHL projection fall. He has the potential to be an effective 3C with the ability to provide some offensive production while being able to shutdown the other team’s attack. While he may not be the elite prospect he once was, Räty will bring a lot of value to a team that drafts him lower than many would have ever thought possible.
A product of the US Developmental program, Sasha Pastujov has the makings of a defensively responsible winger with the offensive skills to be a high end point producer. Pastujov has excellent awareness for his coverage assignments in his own end, as he is able to understand and adjust his positioning when needed. Showing an ability to enter the zone with possession, Pastujov could improve on how often he performs a controlled entry as he does have success when doing so. Pastujov can position his body well to protect the puck from attackers which buys him time to make a play with the puck. With his accurate passing and shot, Pastujov is difficult to defend and he has a strong desire to fight his way to high danger areas, even if impeded. Pastujov has a high compete level that should enable him to transition to the collegiate level next season with Notre Dame.
Jesper Wallstedt has been the goalie prospect receiving all of the hype leading up to the 2021 NHL Draft, but there is a second high-end goalie prospect in town and his name is Sebastian Cossa. While seeing limited ice time due to a shortened WHL season, Cossa managed to crush his minutes with a .941 SV% in 19 games for the Oil Kings. Those numbers did not just come out of nowhere, he recorded a .921 SV% in 33 games that prior season. There is no doubt that Cossa’s numbers benefited from playing behind a stellar Oil Kings squad. However, do not let that take away from his status as a prospect as he is also a big reason why that Oil Kings team was so good. One of the things that jumps off the page with Cossa is his massive 6’6” frame. He’s not just a 1st round-caliber prospect because of his size, but because of what he can do with this size. He possesses fantastic mobility in the crease and shows a great deal of patience when in net. He is also fantastic in his recoveries, which is something that larger goalies struggle with. At the end of the day, Cossa is a very safe bet to be a 1st round pick, maybe even a lottery pick. Goalies look to be one of the hottest items in the NHL, especially after seeing the barren landscape that was this season’s NHL goaltending market. Do not be shocked when two netminders come off the board early on Friday night.
Ceulemans has great offensive instincts for a defenseman and has an aggressive mindset while on the attack. With his skating and puck skills, he can activate from the point and immediately serve as a “fourth forward” for to help his team. He is a multi-dimensional offensive weapon; he has great vision and passing ability that allows him to make any pass on the ice and a great shot from the point. Playing for Brooks in the AJHL, some wondered if his competition inflated his ability but he put that argument to rest with a solid performance at the World U18 Tournament. Ceulemans is a great threat in the transition game and often times finds himself leading the breakout for his team. His aggressive mentality and desire to drive the transition play can sometimes lead to some issues going the other way. His defensive game needs some improvement, but in terms of pure offensive threat defenders, he ranks amongst the best in the class. Committed to Wisconsin for next season he will have a chance to learn and develop his all-around game at a great program and under one of the better college coaches in the nation.
Xavier Bourgault has had a productive career with Shawinigan of the QMJHL. His offensive tools make him an appealing option for teams picking in the late first or early second rounds, but he’s not a perfect player by any stretch of the imagination. His skating isn’t the greatest and he does have some mechanics to work out depsite being a fast skater. I do think the issues with his skating could be fixed with proper coaching, so that’s not that big of an issue for me. The other area where Bourgault needs work is in the defensive side of his game. Bourgault is a very gifted offensive player with a non-stop motor and he’s a competitive player. He would certainly be put in the boom-or-bust category, but I can see him being a very useful top 9 winger at the NHL level.
Zachary Bolduc is a player entering the 2021 NHL Draft with an interesting statistical profile. In 2019/20, he managed to record 30 goals and 52 points in 55 games for Rimouski. The 2020/21 campaign saw him become the main star of the show after the departure of Alexis Lafreniere. Bolduc would only record 29 points in 27 games on a much weaker Rimouski team. His weak point production provides some cause for concern. Bolduc finished 9th among QMJHL draft eligibles in primary points per game, behind some players not projected to go until the mid to late rounds of the NHL Draft. However, Bolduc does have an interesting skill set. He has solid hand-eye coordination which allows him to be an effective player in tight areas and around the net. He has the ability to see the ice well and find the soft spots on the ice. He was also one of the most effective transition players in the QMJHL this past season. Bolduc’s ceiling is certainly an area that comes into question, even in this area of the draft. He does not possess the skill set or the production that give him a ceiling higher than a middle six center or winger. He does have some projectability as a center, so maybe that will provide some intrigue to NHL teams picking in the latter half of the 1st round.
Svozil is an excellent passer of the puck and has a high hockey IQ. He’s a talented skater, but could use some work when it comes to his stride, as well as hitting top speed with his explosiveness. Svozil is slightly above average in terms of defensive play for his age, as he is quite talented at shutting down the rush, and anticipating opponent’s passes so he can block the passing lanes. Svozil can also be relied upon for special teams; he’s offensively inclined enough to quarterback a powerplay andcan be a shutdown defender when killing a penalty. He did have a rough U18 tournament in Fargo which could have hurt his draft stock. He struggles a bit with consistency in his game, but he’s still an incredibly talented, future top 4 defender at the next level.
The smooth-skating Ayrton Martino is very agile and had a strong season for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. Using his speed to beat defenders wide, Martino is an exceptional passer on both his backhand and forehand which helps him set up teammates in high danger areas with ease. It’s amazing how Martino can enter the zone with speed and possession of the puck as he is an offensive threat that pushes defenders back. While more of a playmaker, Martino has the puck skills and offensive zone awareness to make him a goal scorer. He has an accurate shot and an ability to handle the puck with patience to outwait goalies. Martino has great vision for knowing when to break out of the zone early and become a target for an outlet pass, though this trait has shown to take him out of position at times. With such a focus on offense, Martino could certainly improve his defensive awareness and the urgency with which he defends opponents. Headed to Clarkson this fall to jump to the NCAA, Martino will have a chance to play against older competition and further develop his 2-way game.
IN THIS SECTION, THE TCB ANALYSTS HIGHLIGHT SOME NAMES THAT ARE GOOD TARGETS FOR THE SABRES TO SELECT WITH EACH PICK THEY HAVE IN THIS YEARS’ DRAFT. WITH SIGNIFICANTLY MORE DRAFT CAPITAL THAN THE YEAR PRIOR, IT’S CRITICAL THAT ADAMS HITS ON MORE THAN JUST 1ST OVERALL. HAVING 10 PICKS IN TOTAL, WITH 6 OF THEM BEING IN THE TOP 100, THERE’S GOING TO BE AN EVEN BETTER CHANCE TO EXPLOIT THIS DRAFT THAN IN YEARS PRIOR. THIS IS DUE TO THE UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT FORCED MANY PROSPECTS TO PLAY IN UN-PLANNED LEAGUES, AND NOT EVEN PLAY AT ALL IN SOME CASES. WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO HAVE AS MANY LIVE VIEWINGS OF DRAFT ELIGIBLE PROSPECTS IN RECENT YEARS DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS, VIDEO SCOUTING HAS BEEN RELIED ON HEAVILY. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE SOME EXTREME VARIANCE IN WHERE PLAYERS ARE RANKED AND ULTIMATELY SELECTED ACROSS NHL TEAMS DRAFT ROOMS. THE ABILITY TO HIT ON PROSPECTS IN ROUNDS 2 - 7 ENABLES ORGANIZATIONS TO GAIN AN EDGE BY HAVING MORE PLAYERS ON TEAM FRIENDLY ELC’S. GIVEN HOW SHALLOW THE SABRES PROSPECT POOL IS IN QUALITY, RELATIVE TO OTHER TEAMS AROUND THE LEAGUE, THIS YEAR IS A BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR KEVYN ADAMS AND HIS STAFF TO MAKE BIG STRIDES. TCB ANALYSTS BANDED TOGETHER TO COME UP WITH OVER 40 DRAFT ELIGIBLE PROSPECTS IN ROUNDS 2 THRU 7 WHO THEY FEEL WOULD BE STRONG CHOICES WHEN THE SABRES ARE ON THE CLOCK. THESE PLAYERS COME FROM A VARIETY OF LEAGUES AND ARE A MIX OF FORWARDS, DEFENSEMEN, AND GOALIES. THE ANALYSIS ATTEMPTS TO LOOK AT EACH PLAYER AS THEY CURRENTLY ARE, AND WHY THEY ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE TO DEVELOP INTO AN NHL PLAYER DOWN THE ROAD. AS STATED ABOVE, DEVELOPING MID-ROUND DRAFT PICKS INTO NHL PLAYERS WHO OUTPERFORM THEIR DRAFT POSITION IS THE GOAL, AND THE TCB CREW DID THEIR BEST TO IDENTIFY SOME OF THOSE PROSPECTS IN THIS SECTION. THERE ARE ALSO SEVERAL PLAYERS IN THE TOP 32 SECTION WHO WOULD BE GREAT CANDIDATES IN THE 2ND ROUND SHOULD THEY FALL TO BUFFALO, SO BE SURE TO REFERENCE BACK TO THAT SECTION IN THE EVENT SOMEONE LIKE LOGAN STANKOVEN OR MACKIE SAMOSKEVICH ENDS UP BEING THE SABRES PICK AT 33.
It’s hard to look at Owen Power and not get excited about the potential he has given his rare size and speed combination for a defenseman. While not 1st overall on my board, it’s all but guaranteed that Power goes to Buffalo and sets them up extremely well on the left defensive side for many years, adding to a group that includes Dahlin, Samuelsson, Johnson, and Bryson. With Power, his contributions to offense begin in his own end as he is more than capable of getting up to top speed quickly and starting transition. His confidence with the puck at this age is a trait that sets him up well to smoothly transition to the NHL. I think that Power learning how to use his size and strength better, along with some fine tuning his defensive play is what prompts many scouts to label him as a future 1st pair defender. As these are areas of a prospects game that are teachable, I’m optimistic about Power developing his game into someone that the Sabres can rely on for years to come. After a strong showing for Canada at the World Championship, Power has shown he’s close to being ready for the NHL. I personally believe another year at Michigan would serve him well to hone some of his game so that he has minimal issues jumping to the NHL.
Owen Power is one of the most intriguing defenseman prospects we have seen in quite some time. He possesses great size at 6’5” and has an interesting pop of skill that has allowed him to be a point producer across every level of hockey he has played in. The ability to feather perfect passes in transition, the ability to walk the blueline to find open seams -- he’s just an exciting player to watch. It is typically wise to avoid drafting defenseman at the top of the draft, especially at 1st overall. However, this draft year is a bit different. The forwards that are available alongside Power in the 2021 NHL Draft are great prospects, but they do not possess the ceilings that top three forward picks typically have. So, if there were ever a draft to take a gamble on a defenseman like Power at 1st overall, this may be it. The main concern in regards to the Buffalo Sabres drafting Owen Power: can they properly develop him? The Sabres have not exactly been among the league’s elite in terms of prospect development, especially with defensemen. Power has some kinks in his game (physicality, gap control, backward mobility) that need to be ironed out if he wants to become that top pairing defenseman. Maybe the “new” Sabres will be different and will help him reach his potential.
Owen Power will most likely be chosen by the Buffalo Sabres with the first overall pick. It will be a controversial pick as the scouting community is very split on Power as a top pick in this draft class. From a draft by position perspective, the Sabres selecting another left handed defenseman with a first overall pick is a bit of a head scratcher. The Sabres already have Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson, and Ryan Johnson who have all been drafted over the last few years but when you look at their blue line, ask yourself who can be an impact defenseman besides Rasmus Dahlin. It’s a big question mark, and Owen Power can be that guy for the Sabres. I believe that the defensive deficiencies in Owen Power’s game can be fixed with good coaching at the NHL level. After seeing the progress with the young defenseman under Don Granato and Dan Girardi last season, I am under the impression that Power can live up to his potential in Buffalo. Going back to Michigan for his sophomore season will do wonders for his development as well. If Power is indeed Buffalo’s choice with the first overall pick, the Sabres would be building what may be one of the top groups of defensemen in a few years down the road.
Owen Power has the potential to be a game changing defenseman; when you look at his combination of on-ice skills and physical traits, it’s easy to see why many believe he’s the top prospect available in this draft. He’s moved up my draft board a lot over the last month or so -- I believe his mobility and offensive instincts will translate well to the next level. He’s effective in the transition game, oftentimes leading the rush for his team using his skating and edgework to navigate his way into the offensive zone. Once in the offensive zone, Power has good puck skills and can contribute both as a shooter and as a passer. He would make an effective PP2 quarterback which is something Buffalo desperately needs. Defensively there are some concerns, but after speaking to people in the industry ,there’s little doubt that he will improve in that area. If Power can learn to use his size to his advantage and start dictating play on the defensive side of the puck, he has the potential to be an impact player on both ends of the ice. Adding him to a group that features Dahlin, Johnson, Samuelsson and Bryson gives the Sabres a formidable stable of blueliners to build around.
Owen Power has shot up most draft rankings after his strong performance for Canada at the IIHF Men’s Worlds. I’ll admit, I haven’t been sold on him much this season, as he had looked a bit timid to begin the NCAA season for Michigan. That being said, he’s seemed to find his footing, and it’s definitely been noticed. Power is an absolute monster, standing at 6’6. Not only is his size a benefit, but his offensive upside is arguably moreso. He won’t necessarily lead the attack that often, but he sure can spring teammates with a beautiful pass, leading to high-danger chances. He can effectively snap the puck around in the offensive zone, and has a ridiculously powerful slapshot. Defensively, Power does still struggle a bit under pressure in his own zone, especially if he’s not fully aware of the forecheck. That being said, when he’s facing the play, Power rarely puts the puck into dangerous areas, as he is prone to circling back to regroup, and come up with a much safer route to get the puck to a teammate. If the Sabres choose to take the projected #1 pick first overall, they must realize he still needs some time to develop and build up his overall game, and not to rush him into the NHL asap. If they can have Power spend another season honing his skills for the Wolverines, Buffalo will have an excellent defensive prospect on their hands.
From a production standpoint, Eklund had the highest primary even strength points per game played for a 1st time draft eligible player in the SHL of all players since 2008 on pick224.com. The offense is clearly there with Eklund and his speed with high end puck skills will translate to the NHL with ease. He’s not the biggest player on the ice but engages in physical contact as necessary, this trait will only be more impactful as he gets stronger. Eklund has a commitment to the 2-way game that helps him drive play from the wing, often forcing turnovers that can transition back the other way. As a puck carrier, Eklund can perform zone exits/entries with confidence and has a strong understanding of how to put himself and others in a position to succeed in high danger areas of the offensive zone. Eklund is worthy of 1st overall for his ability to not only compliment a 1st line center, but also carry a line on his own if needed.
Production, production, production. That is what really makes a prospect like William Eklund stand out to me. His SHL production was outstanding and he had more primary points per 60 minutes than any player in his draft year since 2008. He outproduced prospects like Kevin Fiala and Elias Lindholm who were known for their outstanding draft years in the SHL. There are a lot of things to like in Eklund’s game, the most valuable being his hockey IQ. He has fantastic positioning and spatial awareness that allowed him to be such an effective player in the professional game at a young age. He has a knack for maintaining possession and creating danger which are two things you love to see in a prospect. There is certainly a very strong argument to take a player like William Eklund at 1st overall; he has the build of a potentially high-end complementary winger with his skill set. Maybe compare his potential impact to a player like Sam Reinhart. Eklund does not have the makings of a franchise altering talent, but he does have the makings of a player that should be in the conversation for 1st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft.
William Eklund is the best player in this draft class and the addition of him to Buffalo’s pipeline would be a big win. I don’t really see any weaknesses in his game and there is real upside to be a superstar player at the NHL level. When he makes the NHL, I see him more as a winger, but I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him being able to play center as well. That versatility is attractive for a team like the Sabres who need everything in their current state. Eklund had a borderline historic draft year in the SHL. Only a handful of players out-produced him in their draft years over the last two decades and he’s in great company with the likes of the Sedin twins, Nicklas Backstrom, and Elias Lindholm. He even outscored 2020 top ten picks, Lucas Raymond and Alexander Holtz when you compare draft years as well. Eklund is a can’t miss player in the top three in the 2021 draft. William Eklund should be Buffalo’s selection with the first overall pick. The thought of a potential line of Eklund-Cozens-Quinn should have Sabres fans salivating.
Eklund is one of the most intriguing players at the top of this class, while I have him ranked highly I can’t pinpoint an exact spot for him in this class. I’ve seen him ranked anywhere in the top-10 throughout this season. Offensively he’s extremely gifted, as a winger he has shown the ability to drive play and had a really strong draft year playing in the SHL. With the puck on his stick, Eklund is a threat to make something happen. He’s a fast skater with great footwork and agility making him a threat in the transition game. He has great passing instincts and can score from anywhere in the offensive zone. While he may not be the biggest guy, he has no issues getting involved physically and has a knack for winning 50-50 battles along the boards. Eklund’s skillset should have him in the conversation as the top pick in this year’s draft, and there’s a strong chance that we look back at this class and see him as the best forward in the entire class.
Without a doubt the #1 European skater in the Draft, William Eklund is an extremely smart and talented player in all three zones. Perhaps his most likeable trait is his ability to adjust his game to his surroundings. He can play in a high paced, skillful setting just as well as he can in a tight-checking, chippy game, and is equally effective. Eklund’s vision on the ice allows him to find open space in the offensive zone and exploit it, seemingly every shift. He’s also one of the most consistent players I’ve seen come out of Sweden in a fairly long time. Eklund never looks to take a shift off, and can play in every single area of the ice, without issue. Offensively, Eklund is setting records in the SHL with his absurdly good play. Not since the likes of the Sedin brothers and Peter Forsberg has the SHL seen such production. For a Sabres team who at times in the past has lacked offensive production throughout the lineup, adding a player like William Eklund would certainly help change that.
Beniers is arguably the most talented 2-way center in this class and warrants consideration with 1st overall. With the departure of both Eichel and Reinhart looming, restocking the center pipeline with Beniers makes a lot of sense along with the fact that he’s one of the top 2 players in this class. While he should not be expected to turn into a 1st line NHL center, Beniers has all of the tools and compete level to attain that status some day. Beniers’ puckhandling is on another level compared to others in this class as he’s able to maintain control of the puck when pressured and checked. While not the fastest guy on the ice, Beniers has solid speed and such a high hockey IQ to be a few steps ahead of the opposition which gives him an advantage when he has control of the puck. He had a strong year with Michigan and I love his creativity with the puck. Beniers already has such a refined game that there’s no question he will translate his skillset to the NHL in the near future.
Matt Beniers is just an all-around solid hockey player. He can drive offense and be solid in his own end. He dominates the middle of the ice when he is out there and plays with a great amount of pace. He consistently provides his teammates with puck support and has the skill in small areas that allows him to create. I think there is no question that Beniers will be an NHL center and he may be the only player who will be selected in the top 15 of this year’s draft who comfortably projects as an NHL center. The main question regarding Beniers is his ceiling which is a bit concerning when you evaluate his game relative to past top picks, but is right in line with his peers when you evaluate his game relative to the 2021 NHL Draft prospects. I do not think the Sabres can go wrong with a player like Beniers at the 1st overall pick as they would be drafting a player with very projectable traits at the NHL level. Will he be the best player to come out of this draft class when it is all said and done? I wouldn’t bet on it. But, I will bet on him becoming a solid, effective piece for whatever NHL team selects him.
With the looming trades of Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, it would make perfect sense for the Sabres to add the best two-way centerman in the draft class. Beniers can probably step into the NHL right away but it will probably be best for his development if he returns to a loaded Michigan team for his sophomore season. Beniers is the only prospect who is projected to go in the first round who I can confidently say will play center at the NHL level. He is exactly the type of player who the Sabres need going forward. He’s cut from the same cloth as Dylan Cozens and you can never have enough of those players around your team. The Sabres would surely have locked down their long-term second line center of the future if Beniers is their pick. Limited offensive upside has arguably been the biggest knock on Beniers’ game, but I think that’s been overblown a bit. He’s been at or around a point per game pace for three seasons now at just about every level that he’s played. He’s a safe bet to be a second line center, plays in all situations, and can produce 60+ points a season. In a draft with a whole lot of uncertainty, Beniers would be the safest bet for the Sabres with the first overall pick.
Beniers is the most talented two-way center available in this class and will get some consideration as the top prospect in the 2021 draft. He plays a mature game and is already physically mature and ready to play against men, although he will probably need another year in Michigan before making the jump. The Sabres are in a transition period; the impending departures of Eichel and Reinhart make an already massive need for talented forwards even larger, and adding a player with Beniers’ skillset would help set them up long-term at the 2C position. He has great puck skills, can see the ice extremely well but it’s his high-motor and pace of play on both ends of the ice that stand out to me. He won’t allow himself to be outworked, he has a knack for getting to the puck and once he has control, he is able to transition effectively. Offensively he is gifted; he might not ever be an elite-level point-producer, but he can get into the high-danger scoring areas and has a shot that can beat goalies at any level of play. Beniers is one of those players that may not be elite in one area, but he’s good at almost everything and will be able to carve out a long NHL career because of it.
When it comes to forwards in the 2021 draft class, you won’t necessarily see Beniers’ name at the top of any specific category. He’s not the type of player who possesses a specific talent or trait that makes him the top of the class, rather, he can do pretty much everything on the ice at an above average rate. Arguably, Beniers is one of the most NHL-ready forwards in the entire class. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and almost never looks out of place on the ice. Beniers is an excellent forechecker, and puts a significant amount of pressure on defenders, often leading to them making a mistake in their own zone. Beniers’ hockey sense is an aspect of his game that’s fairly well developed. He seems to know what he wants to do on the ice before anyone else, and is quite successful in doing so. Offensively, Beniers is a hell of a playmaker, and can distribute the puck accurately and effectively all over the offensive zone. He possesses some real quick hands, and is ridiculously elusive. Not only does Beniers think the game so well, his production can definitely back it up, as he performed at a PPG rate this past season for the Wolverines. If the Sabres were looking for a player who was a jack of all trades, but a master of none, look no further than Matty Beniers.
I’d call Brandt Clarke a longshot at 1st overall as I don’t think he’s the best player available. However, Clarke certainly does fill a huge void on the right side of Buffalo’s defensive depth chart and has the potential to be that 1st pairing guy. Clarke fits the mold of the mobile and offensive minded defenseman who can control the play with controlled zone exits and entries. t’s not easy to teach the kind of offensive instinct Clarke possesses as his best defense is his offense. Clarke makes sense to Buffalo from a fit standpoint as he would fill a weakness in the organization. He had to play overseas this past year in Slovakia with the OHL season never transpiring and showed that he can handle playing at a higher level of competition. Clarke’s exciting style of play projects him to be a play-driving defender.
Brandt Clarke is a very interesting prospect who spent his draft year in Slovakia due to the lack of an OHL season, so we really did not get an up-close look at him until the U18s where he was awesome. He has arguably the best offensive instincts of any blueliner in this class. He has that valuable ability of being able to create something out of nothing. My main concern regarding Clarke are his knocked knees stemming from his internal hip rotation. This causes him to be very reliant on his inside edges. He still moves around the ice fairly well for a player with this type of skating deficiency, but it bumps him down a bit in comparison to some of the more mobile offensive defenseman we have seen in recent drafts. The best case scenario is that his offensive instincts allow him to thrive at the NHL despite less than perfect skating. The worst case scenario is that his lack of mobility neuters some of his offense at the NHL level. Clarke would be very risky to take at 1st overall. The Sabres would have to absolutely fall in love with his skill set and be confident that they have the skating coaches and physiotherapists to fix his skating.
You can make the case that a right handed shot defenseman is the biggest organizational need for the Sabres. Clarke is far and away the best right handed defenseman in the draft and would fill a massive hole for the Sabres if he is selected. Clarke is another victim of the weird season that was 2021. He was not able to play for the Barrie Colts because the OHL never had a season, so he took his talents to Slovakia. Clarke had a very impressive showing at the U18 worlds where his draft stock really shot up. When you look at the OHL players who weren’t able to have a normal season like Clarke and McTavish, you can easily make the assumption that they would go much higher in a normal year. Clarke is a dynamic defenseman and is the prototypical type of player who would excel in the NHL on the blue line. His skating has been scrutinized by scouts but I don’t think his skating is as big of an issue as it’s been made out to be. I would say he’s an average skater but his offensive instincts and upside help you forget about him not being an elite skater. He would be a reach with the first pick, but in a year like this, anything is possible.
Brandt Clarke is one of the most exciting players in this year’s draft. He has elite level offensive instincts for a defenseman and has no issues jumping up into the rush to make something happen for his team. For a while I had him as my top player in this year’s draft. While his stock dipped a bit because he missed a lot of his draft year due to the pandemic, Clarke made his way to Slovakia and showed that his game translates to a professional level. The U18’s is really where Clarke showed how good he is, playing against his own peers he looked like one of Canada’s best players in the tournament. I’m confident that if the OHL played a regular season that Clarke would be in consideration for the top pick. His skating is a tad choppy but it works for him. He is comfortable making plays off the rush, and with his high-end puck skills, he can make any pass from anywhere on the ice. He needs some improvements on defense, but there’s really nothing to be that concerned about in his all-around game. He has the ability to quarterback a powerplay at the next level and if he hits his ceiling he could be a play-driving blueliner in the NHL.
Brandt Clarke is my favorite defenseman in the draft hands down. He is incredibly poised in his own zone, especially under pressure. He is effective at crippling any sort of sustained offensive pressure by the opposing team, and loves to put the pressure on attackers by playing man-on-man. Clarke’s transitional game is simply amazing to watch. He’s relied upon to handle the brunt of the pressure applied by the opposing team, and is able to stickhandle himself out of trouble or deliver a beautiful breakout pass pretty much almost every time. Moving up the ice, Clarke can be quite difficult to stop, especially if he’s leading the breakout. He’s able to adapt to the environment around him and switch up play at the snap of a finger. Offensively, Clarke is a force to be reckoned with. He puts up some incredible numbers and is rarely not involved in the play in the offensive zone. Clarke’s stickhandling ability makes him rather hard to defend against, as he can breeze by most players with a simple deke. Clarke is almost like a fourth forward on the ice in the offensive zone, as he loves to pinch down and join the cycle, especially if there’s a sustained attack underway. He’s also an excellent power-play quarterback. If Buffalo is set on a defenseman at first overall, I would have a hard time faulting them for selecting Clarke.
Dean was considered as a possible first round talent by some evaluators, he’s a fast-paced player with good speed and brings some high-level skill and IQ to his game. He does a little bit of everything, and while he may not be elite, he brings an all-around package that should translate well to the next level. Offensively he’s more of a playmaking threat than a natural goal scorer, if his teammates can find a way to get open, Dean has the vision and ability to get them the puck for an easy shot attempt. While his stock has fallen off a bit as the year has progressed, an inconsistent 2021 QMJHL season has taken its toll, Dean would be an excellent target in the second round given his positional fit and his ability to create for others. With the current situation in Buffalo, they will need offensive-minded centers and Dean would give them an excellent 2-3C option if drafted with one of Buffalo’s second round picks.
Tuomaala possesses a shooter’s mentality and has one of the better shots in the entire draft class coupled with it. He has a powerful shot with a quick release and pinpoint accuracy, he will be able to challenge goalies at any level from anywhere in the offensive zone. He has his limitations as a play-driver. Struggling with his speed and ability to create separation with his legs, he won’t have a huge impact in the transition game. Tuomaala can limit his need to drive play with his puck skills, he has solid vision and will be able to get the puck to his teammates so he can focus on getting open and finishing off plays. Likely only a target with the Sabres’ top choice in the second round, Tuomaala would provide an excellent complimentary option who can score goals in bunches. He has top-six upside and at the least will be a third-line scorer with powerplay capabilities. He would be a smart choice for an organization lacking high-end goal scoring forward prospects.
Petrov is a high-volume shooter with a quick release and is effective at getting his shot off in traffic. His quick hands can disguise his release to help trick goalies, which provides him an advantage because he currently lacks that elite power behind his shot. A strong skater, Petrov has quick feet that allow him to get up to speed and has great four-way agility, allowing him to maneuver through traffic with the puck on his stick. He will need to add some strength to his frame, given his weight, he can struggle in 50/50 battles. His shot-first mentality doesn’t mean he lacks passing ability, he is capable of finding passing lanes and taking advantage of them. Petrov would be a player to target with the later of Buffalo’s second round picks and would provide a goal-scoring threat from the wing. He has middle-six upside and will contribute on the powerplay.
Being just a few days away from 2022 Draft Eligibility, Olen Zellweger was extremely impressive in limited WHL action and an appearance at the U18 World Championship for Canada. Playing a finesse and free wheeling style on defense, Zellweger is a puck possession freak. Zellweger is a phenomenal skater that has an efficient stride which allows him to accelerate quickly, making zone exits and entries with ease. Zellweger has incredible lateral mobility that allows him to trick defenders into giving him space, all the while opening up shooting lanes for himself. Arguably a 1st round talent given how well his set of skills would translate to the NHL, Zellweger would be an excellent pick in the 2nd round. Zellweger shows a desire to attack the higher danger areas of the ice for his shot attempts which make him very effective in the offensive zone.
A right handed defender whose calling card is his high end skating ability, Heimosalmi uses his speed and agility to carry the puck through transition and perform zone exits and entries. It’s not easy to defend Heimosalmi when he gets up to top speed and he has a great understanding of what to do with the puck when he does get in the offensive zone. Heimosalmi plays a very solid defensive game that incorporates good gap control and lateral mobility to ensure he doesn’t get beat by attackers. Showing an advanced understanding of how to evaluate an oncoming rush, Heimosalmi is able to break up plays and turn them back the other way. There’s still some room for Heimosalmi to improve his offensive game given how good he is at carrying the puck. He shows a good understanding of when to creep into the high slot for scoring chances in the offensive zone and can get the puck on net, but will need to get stronger if he wants to be an impact offensive defender at higher levels.
Koivunen had a strong year in the U20 Finnish league, earning himself a spot on the Finland U18 squad. He’s strong on his feet and is able to position his body to gain an advantage on defenders in front of the net where he frequently plants himself. One thing that Koivunen does very well is adjust his body such that he’s always facing the play, this ensures he’s able to accept a pass from just about anywhere. Because of his great awareness Koivunen has of himself relative to the puck, he’s able to easily find open ice to put himself in good scoring positions. There’s a creativity in Koivunen’s game that could make him an excellent playmaker, though this is a trait of his that needs some refinement as he can get aggressive with forcing passes that are not open.
Yet another offensively skilled rearguard produced by the USNTDP, Sean Behrens would be a good target for the Sabres in the 2nd/3rd round. Although some may find him on the smaller side (5’ 10”), he more than makes up for it with his elite hockey IQ and his surprisingly high level of physicality. Behrens uses a combination of speed, skill and intelligence to weave his way through the neutral zone and complete a controlled zone entry. Behrens forces attackers to the half wall when entering the defensive zone and can usually strip them of the puck using skill or force. He could look to simplify his defensive game a little more, but overall Behrens is a solid OFD prospect.
Poltapov possesses an interesting mix of talent that makes him an intriguing pick in the 2nd round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He is a smaller forward who is unafraid of making drives towards the net. He has a good burst of speed and has the hands to finish in tight. Dylan Griffing’s tracking data painted Poltapov’s MHL performance in a very positive light. He led all tracked players in individual dangerous shot attempts per 60 (19.47) and was 5th in dangerous pass attempts per 60 (11.13). He has a knack for getting the puck to the dangerous areas of the ice which is a great trait to have. There are still various parts of Poltapov’s game that need to be cleaned up a bit, as is the case with a lot of MHL prospects. However, we got to see the best of him at the U18s and he looked like an effective, dangerous hockey player who can score some flashy goals. His skill set gives him a very nice ceiling for a player who may very well be available in the late 2nd round.
The Shattuck St. Mary’s product is a highly skilled offensive defenseman who is quite skilled in transition and can contribute quite a bit on the scoresheet. Defensively, Morrow is a menace at shutting down lanes for attackers to use. The UMass commit is one of the best puck distributors in his draft class and can execute zone exits with almost no difficulty.
Knies is a versatile forward who can play anywhere up front, but seems as if he’s best fit as a LW at the next level. Perhaps his best trait is his never-quit motor, which allows him to break into the zone and drive to the net with skill and power. Knies is a skilled passer of the puck, but sometimes struggles a little bit with accuracy. The Minnesota commit has an underrated shot, mixing power and accuracy. He’s excellent in transition, as he’s able to draw defenders on his body to open up time and space for teammates, sometimes leading to high danger chances.
Despite the smaller frame, Sjoholm is an extremely reliable defender, his skating and high IQ allows him to comfortably defend on the rush and in his own zone. He maintains great gap control and knows how to use his body and skating to dictate where the attacking player goes with the puck. He can be effective in the transition game, using his skating and vision to either exit the zone on his own or find a teammate with a smart and accurate breakout pass. What he brings to the game is a smart and under the radar approach to the game that may not jump off the page but he is capable of getting the job done. With some physical maturity he will be able to consistently contribute in the physical game; his playing style mirrors Jake McCabe and Will Borgen in a way, and with the likely departure of McCabe, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to try and develop a similar style of player for the future.
The smooth skating Sioux Falls defender is really a do-it-all defenceman. Johnson possesses ridiculous footwork, and his edges are arguably the best in the USHL for defenders. Offensively, he’s a terrific powerplay QB; he can dish the puck around and create high danger scoring chances almost at will. Defensively, Johnson is rather physical, especially when defending the crease. He’s not afraid to sacrifice the body when making a hit or blocking a shot, and can exit the zone using his legs or his talented passing skills with little to no difficulty.
A force to be reckoned with on the blueline, Buium was a high riser up many draft boards this past season. The 6’3, 214lbs defenceman sees the game well. He has incredibly high hockey IQ, and can skate like the wind. Buffalo should definitely have him on their board in Rounds 2-3, especially if they choose to select a forward early on.
The two-way defenseman suiting up for the Steel has quite a lot of offensive upside, boasting the ability to suit up with talented scorers like Matthew Coronato and Mackie Samoskevich. Ufko thrives on the powerplay, and his playmaking abilities are a treat to watch. Defensively, Ufko is great on the PK and has a very active stick which he can get in the passing lanes to shut down offensive chances for the other team. His skating could use some work, as can his overall defensive play, but he’d be a solid selection for Buffalo around the 3rd round.
Lennox has a big frame and high-end athleticism that ranks amongst the best of any goaltender in the class. In terms of the “second tier” of goalie prospects available in 2021, Lennox is one of the best available. With the pandemic causing the OHL to cancel their 2020-21 season, he missed a valuable developmental year. His last full season was average at best, posing a sub .900% sv% and a GAA above 3.00. He’s excellent at making the first stop, but struggles with his rebound control and ability to recover when facing multiple chances. There’s a ton to like in his game despite needing improvement in some key areas. Buffalo has two good goalie prospects within the organization but with the possibility of Ullmark hitting free agency the Sabres will need to add more depth within the organization and drafting a guy like Lennox in the third round would make a lot of sense for Buffalo.
Katelevsky plays a mature two-way game, he’s extremely smart and knows where to be at the exact moment he needs to be there. His offensive ceiling may be a tad limited but he will have the potential to be an excellent impact player on the defensive side of the puck. He’s comfortable working off the puck, capable of finding the soft spots in the offensive zone and opening himself up for his teammates. Katelevsky has excellent closing speed and has the physical strength to win those key puck battles in both the offensive and defensive zone. When his team doesn’t have the puck, he does everything in his power to get it back. He wouldn’t be a sexy pick because his offensive skill set doesn’t flash all that often but he’s the type of player that Buffalo could use in his system because he can have positive impacts on the game in all three-zones.
Nadeau is a power forward who is already well built from a physical standpoint and can throw his weight around when needed. Possessing a strong shot that can beat goalies from long range, Nadeau also has good vision with the puck to allow him to be a good playmaker as well. While not the fastest player on the ice, Nadeau uses strategic positioning to put himself in position to make plays, even controlled zone entries. There’s definitely a need for Nadeau to build up his foot speed and this could improve with some better conditioning it appears. Nadeau has shown that he has good defensive tendencies, blocking cross ice passes and preventing shots from the point by taking away shooting lanes.
A smaller centerman who can really skate, Malatesta relies on his speed to push defenders back and open ice for himself. Malatesta will look to make simple plays with the puck instead of something that has a low chance of success which helps especially in his own end exiting the zone. Because of his speed, Malatesta can lead the rush and utilizes his excellent agility to meander his way through the neutral zone. Malatesta scans the ice well and is proactive in adjusting his position to go where the puck is going to be instead of where it’s at. There’s certainly a lot of upside with Malatesta though he may not have the high end skills to ever be a top 6 forward at the NHL level. He can have issues passing in high danger areas and on the rush which limits some of his offensive impacts.
Cole Jordan is a good skating left handed defender who has the versatility to play on his off hand side. He is a very strong defender with a high understanding of how to use his positioning to maintain good gaps as well as take good angles on attackers. Jordan plays a very poised game, especially when carrying the puck, which he could actually do more often than he currently does. When he gets the puck, Jordan knows exactly what he’s going to do which helps him consistently make good decisions. In general, Jordan plays a very responsible game and doesn’t take unnecessary risks that could put his team at a disadvantage. He has the lateral mobility to walk the blue line so as to open up both shooting and passing lanes. With how well Jordan identifies opportunities to jump into the rush or the high slot, he has the mental makeup and physical tools to be a good defender in the NHL. Jordan’s passing is also another reason to be optimistic about his future development as it’s both quick and accurate.
Reynolds is an agile skater who uses his quick feet to generate speed and buzz around the offensive zone, searching for open ice. When he does find space in high danger areas, Reynolds is able to make subtle adjustments to his body position to disguise when he’s actually going to release his shot. Reynolds does seem to be at his best in front of the net where he picks up a lot of goals as that’s where the majority of his shot attempts come from. Settling in soft spots uncovered, Reynolds grabs rebounds for easy goals and has the uncanny ability to time it such that he isn’t just standing around waiting for a bounce. In transition, Reynolds sets up controlled zone entries for his teammates via accurate passes as he always seems to know what he’s going to do with the puck when he gets it. Reynolds does have the speed to carry the puck and could benefit his overall impact to possession by doing this more often.
Forsell has high-end offensive potential, his creativity and confidence with the puck on his stick are through the roof. He has good skating ability, using his edgework and lateral movement to effectively gash through traffic in the transition game. He can generate a ton of offense off the rush, something that the Sabres are in desperate need of, because of his elite level top-end speed and ability to exploit passing lanes. When the puck is on his stick he dictates the pace, and finding a player with play-driving potential in the fourth round is a huge advantage for the team that takes Forsell. His defensive game isn’t that far off either, with a desire to pressure the puck and disrupt passing/shooting lanes with his body or stick, he won’t be an anchor in his own zone. The Sabres are in need of high-ceiling players in their system and Forsell would give them that.
A smart two-way center who works his tail off whenever he’s on the ice. Dower-Nilsson has smart positional awareness at both ends and knows how to support his teammates and provide an outlet when they are in need. With solid puck handling and above-average skating ability, he is effective in the transition game and is capable of entering the offensive zone by himself if need be. He can challenge defenders with his skating, often going directly at them rather than trying to finesse his way through traffic. The Sabres have an affinity for drafting players like Dower-Nilsson, usually drafting two-way centers with decent skating ability in the second round. While unsure of what his exact impact could be, he is a safe bet to make the NHL and be a reliable middle or bottom-six type of player.
Tschigerl is an energy winger with great speed and an ability to accelerate better than most players in this class. While his skating is technically flawed, the hope is he can work on it as he gets older to help him elevate his potential. Because of his high compete level, Tschigerl is able to win a lot of one-on-one puck battles which also helps him force a lot of turnovers. Using his strong anticipatory skills, Tschigerl is very good at breaking up passes by the opponent. Possessing a very strong shot, Tschigerl has shown some goal scoring ability and is capable of picking up dirty goals in front of the net. There’s a lot to like about Tschigerl’s game overall as he projects to be a very responsible 2-way winger that can also play the penalty kill.
Jackson Blake, son of former NHLer Jason Blake, had himself a pretty nice season. He kicked things off with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, returned to Edina High School where he recorded 58 points in 19 games including the double overtime goal to win the Minnesota Class 2A state championship, and then finished the season up as a Clark Cup champion with Chicago. Blake’s USHL production may not jump off the page relative to his high school production, but he found himself down in Chicago’s lineup as an August 2003 birthday on a very deep roster. He made sure the minutes he got counted, putting up the 7th most primary points per 60 of any first-year draft eligible in the USHL. The tracking data reveals a player who likes getting the puck to the dangerous areas of the ice. Blake has all of the makings of a nice value pick in the middle rounds of the 2021 NHL Draft. He does not have elite physical traits, but has great puck skills and a very good hockey mind. Expect his production to take off in the USHL next season as he gets a larger role with the Steel.
The younger brother of Blackhawks forward Kirby Dach, Colton Dach plays a very similar game to his brother. Both are absolute units in terms of size and strength, and play a 200-foot game that is very fun to watch. Colton Dach does have more of a natural scoring touch than Kirby, but is much less explosive and lacks power to his skating. Dach would be a great addition in the 3rd or 4th round, as his hockey sense is really good. But, it’s unlikely he drops that far.
Lukas Gustafsson is arguably the most underrated defenseman in the entire USHL. He’s seen majority bottom-4 ice time with the Steel as he’s been sheltered a little bit, but he plays a very fun brand of hockey that is without a doubt high risk/ reward. He’s excellent at deceiving attackers to generate time and space. Gustafsson’s mobility is crazy good, as he can cover a large range of ice. If Buffalo’s looking to take a mid to late round flier on a project D, Gustafsson is your man.
A very intriguing prospect out of Finland who played 33 games for JYP in Liiga this past year which is impressive for an 18 year old. The natural abilities of Koskela as a skater make him a natural to develop into a puck moving NHL defenseman, though this is dependent on him adding some more muscle to his frame. Koskela certainly has the speed to perform controlled zone exits and entries, which is something he did on occasion with success. Building some more confidence to execute these types of plays will help him develop as a transition defender. Having the ability to play either side on defense shows the versatility of Koskela to play his game regardless of where he is on the ice. He has good awareness to jump into the high slot when the opportunity presents itself and on the defensive side, he maintains good gap control on attackers and will even engage with them physically when appropriate.
There’s a high compete level that Vaisanen plays which makes him a great puck pursuit player that is able to force the play where he wants it. Vaisanen very rarely is caught standing still and is scanning the ice looking for an opportunity to grab a loose puck, all the while ensuring he doesn’t take himself out of position. He looks lanky because of his height and slight frame which may explain his awkward skating stride that isn’t very efficient. Regarding his effort level, having some NHL coaching would really help him make a jump in his development and be an even more impactful player at both ends of the ice. Again, due to his size, it’s as if he hasn’t learned how to adjust his body to get more leverage to increase the velocity on his shot. Vaisanen is such an interesting prospect because of his size and commitment to playing an intense style of hockey. With some patience and increased strength, Vaisanen has the potential to be a power forward in the NHL.
Ostapchuk is a very physical and skilled winger who showed well for Vancouver of the WHL, putting up decent numbers and having positive on ice impacts. Hard on his puck pursuit, Ostapchuk uses his size at both ends of the ice to force turnovers with his forechecking and backchecking ability. Ostapchuk supports his defense really well from the wing and has good spatial awareness for his defense zone assignments. He skates really well for someone his size and has good top end speed due to his powerful stride. Ostapchuk uses his speed and surprising agility to drive transition through the neutral zone. Ostapchuk has very good hands and gets a lot of velocity on his shot with a quick release that seems effortless. While he can be too aggressive at times with his physical play, it’s an area where some added discipline will only help him play more consistently.
A versatile forward who can play both on the wing and down the middle. Suni will be draft eligible for the second year in 2021 and brings great skating ability coupled with professional ready size. A solid puck carrier, he flashes the ability to drive play as a center and is extremely dangerous when he gets into the slot. Suni will need to find consistency in his game, as stated before he’s effective when he gets to the high danger areas, but he struggles to get there on a regular basis. A player with his size and skating ability should thrive in the high traffic areas but he plays on the perimeter a little more than you’d like to see. He brings a decent amount of skill for a player available at this portion of the draft, and if he can find that consistency as he develops, he could be one of the better late round picks in the draft. He should absolutely be on the Sabres’ radar during the 2021 draft.
A puck mover on the backend, Kuzmin has an offensive-minded approach to the position, and that’s no surprise given his mobility and puck skills. He played in Belarus’ top professional league and logged big minutes in all situations. He has great agility and vision with the puck on his stick, capable of manipulating play with his body and his eyes and can create passing lanes while driving transitional play. Defensively he needs some maturing as he relies on his stick too much in his own zone. Higher levels of competition will be able to exploit him when in their offensive setup until he can work on that part of his game. The positives outweigh the negatives in his game though, in the later rounds grabbing a highly-gifted offensive defender to add into a solid stable of defensive prospects isn’t a bad approach for the Sabres. Kuzmin’s weaknesses can be coached out of him, and some physical growth will also go a long way to helping his confidence on defense.
Ryker Evans is a prospect who plays a game that has a little bit of something for everyone. He possesses fantastic gap control allowing him to be adept at preventing controlled zone entries. He was one of the better WHL defenseman in transition and he does not hesitate to join the rush when necessary. He’s been the perfect blend of new school and old school for Regina, just an all-around defenseman. After going undrafted in the 2020 NHL Draft, Evans managed to turn up the offense a bit after the addition of Connor Bedard, recording 28 points in 24 games as a 19 year old. His performance in the shortened WHL season caught the eyes of scouts and he hopes to hear his name called this second time around. Evans projects fairly well at the NHL level because he was seemingly good at everything at the WHL level. There are no glaring deficiencies in his game and I think you take a player like that in the 5th round and run. He is a very nice bet in the later rounds of the 2021 NHL Draft.
The Providence College commit turned London Knight for next season is the modern day version of a power forward. Gilmartin has excellent playmaking ability, but sometimes doesn’t receive much credit as the puck seems to touch several other sticks before entering the net. He’s the catalyst for a lot of his USNTDP line’s high danger chances and can divert defenders onto his body in transition to open up space for his teammates to exploit. Buffalo could use someone like Gilmartin with his unique combination of size, skill, and willingness to be physical and overpowering when needed.
Smaller in size but certainly not talent, the son of former NHL star Martin St Louis plays the game very similar to his father. A talented playmaker with good vision on the ice, St Louis could be a player the Sabres target in the later rounds. He has a fairly long way to come in terms of development, but given the right situation and time, St Louis could become a special prospect.
Korhonen is a fast skating winger who accelerates quickly but limits his true top speed potential with his short crossovers. There’s a rawness in Korhonen’s game that leaves a lot of potential to be an impact player as he has all of the physical tools to drive possession. With how little Korhonen’s speed is impacted when controlling the puck, it’s a reason to be optimistic about what he could be provided he takes more opportunities to carry the puck. Korhonen never takes a shift off and is constantly pursuing the puck and making life difficult for the opposition. There’s a lot to like about how well Korhonen scans the ice looking for open ice as well as being cognizant of his positioning. From an offensive perspective, Korhonen’s potential is currently capped by his lack of upper body strength though this is expected to improve as he continues his development and gets older.
A 2nd year overager, Cardwell was a player who fell victim to such a strong 2020 draft class and went undrafted, though he was also only 2 weeks away from being eligible in 2021. With the OHL not having a season, Cardwell took his skills overseas to Sweden where he piled up the points and made a good case to be drafted this year. Cardwell is a fast paced center who brings a lot of energy to the ice and possesses a good shot. He’s relentless in how he gives chase to the puck and improved his discipline to not take himself out of the play in this pursuit. As Cardwell is such a good shooter, it allows him to take advantage as a playmaker with defenders trying to take away his shot. Given how well Cardwell has progressed and the high end skills he has developed over the past two seasons, he is one of the best swings to take in the 6th round. Cardwell has the potential to be a 2-way bottom 6 forward who can have positive impacts with how high his compete level is and his natural offensive ability.
Fedotov is a highly skilled, offensive-minded forward who brings a ton of confidence and creativity to the game. When he grabs the puck in transition, fans and his teammates will be at the edge of their seats because he has the potential to make something spectacular happen. His offensive game is well rounded, he can create for himself with his skating and puckhandling or he can find open teammates and create opportunities for others. His ranking was as high as the top-70 on one of Bob McKenzie’s ranks. Fedotov thrives in space and struggles in tight quarters. His physical strength will need some work as skill will only get you so far in the NHL. He’s one of the biggest “boom or bust” prospects in this draft and there’s no reason to not take a swing on him late in the draft if he’s there.
He may be small in height, but Florian Elias brings a high level of energy to the game. A smart 200-foot player, he can read and react quickly to the play around him and will contribute in a wide variety of ways. He can play physically, carry the puck in transition and has some offensive skill that will allow him to produce points. The 2002 born center had a strong performance for Germany at the WJC and was arguable their third-best forward behind Peterka and Tim Stutzle. At times he wanders on the ice, getting puck focused and losing his positioning in both the offensive and defensive zones. His size and strength hold him back a little bit in terms of 50-50 puck battles and in high traffic areas. With his size and areas of struggle he likely projects better as a winger at the next level, but he has the upside of an NHL player and is well worth taking a swing on in the 6th round if he’s there when the Sabres are on the clock.
A former 5th round pick in 2019 of Florida, Henrik Rybinski has re-entered the draft after going unsigned by the Panthers. Rybinski is a smooth skater who utilizes good crossover technique to generate speed quickly. His ability to change directions and weave through traffic without losing speed is a nice trait he has shown. Rybinski is so good in transition and has a lot of confidence carrying the puck through all 3 zones. It’s in the offensive zone where he utilizes his high end vision to set up scoring chances in high danger areas. Rybinski’s passing ability is excellent and he possesses the wherewithal to thread pucks though tight areas. He plays a simple game in his own end where he has a good understanding of where he needs to be on the ice as a centerman. Using an active stick to break up plays helps him kick start the rush back the other way which is really the strongest point of his game.
Simoneau was mentioned in the 2020 Draft Guide as a good target in the 7th round and was undoubtedly passed over due to his size and the strength in the 2020 class. Simoneau didn’t continue his upward production trajectory in the QMJHL this past year, though at this stage of his junior career, it’s not surprising that his development in that league has gone stagnant. The effort level and offensive instincts that Simoneau has are above average and were it not for his height, he would have been drafted back in 2019 most likely, as this is his 3rd and final year of draft eligibility. Simoneau is a phenomenal playmaker and is so creative with the puck on his stick. He has also improved his skating since the previous season which was also another issue some scouts had with him, even though he has adequate speed. Simoneau is a perfect target in the 7th round as a prospect who is already 2 years further along in his development than other first year eligible players. With his offensive skills and aggressive style of play, Simoneau just needs an opportunity to continue his development at higher levels than juniors.
A very small right handed defender, Miguel Tourigny showed extreme improvement in his offensive production as a 2nd year eligible player. While his size will be a slight concern for teams, Tourigny is a modern day puck moving defenseman who plays a very aggressive style. Where Tourigny struggles is in his own end but his high event hockey style has a net positive impact with how often he’s generating chances off of the rush. With how much he’s improved his game since going undrafted, there’s optimism that he can correct some of his defensive deficiencies. Tourigny is a strong skater and is good at carrying the puck, which makes him a nice project in the 7th round that has some nice potential for the low investment. Having an understanding of how to get the puck to the net and create scoring chances for himself and others, Tourigny is a player to keep an eye on.
Mancini missed out on his draft year in the OHL because of the pandemic but put up a strong showing at the PBHH Showcase. He’s a big defender with decent mobility that allows him to succeed on both ends of the ice. He’s not a flashy player, he makes smart and calculated decisions with the puck and allows his teammates to drive transition. Defensively he’s strong in his own end because of his positional discipline and his long reach that easily disrupts passing lanes. A little bit too reliant on his reach, Mancini can be prone to struggles while defending the rush especially when speedy forwards attack him out wide but that can be fixed with proper coaching and improvements in his skating. He won’t knock anyone’s socks off with his play style, but he’s a solid player that could develop into an NHLer. When drafting in the seventh round you’re merely looking for NHL potential and Mancini has enough skills at both ends to warrant some consideration.
With his small stature and quickness, Almquist is an extremely fun player to watch when he has the puck on his stick. He can find open spaces, attacking them with his speed and puckhandling ability to be a multi-dimensional offensive threat. He’ll need to add some power behind his shot to translate his goal scoring ability to the next level, but even if his shot doesn’t become a consistent threat, he will be able to contribute as a playmaker off the wing. Although he struggles when he doesn’t have the puck on his stick, he has the exciting offensive skillset you’d want in a late round selection, and his production in Sweden’s junior hockey leagues has been pretty impressive the past two seasons. Buffalo is in need of dynamic offensive players, and drafting Almquist in the seventh round would add another potential offensive threat into an organization that desperately needs it.
Elia Stenman is a very good puck handler who is quick and possesses excellent agility. Stenman can get defenders to freeze as he cuts to the middle of the ice for either a shot or a pass, which adds a level of unpredictability to his game. From a skating perspective, Stenman is able to change direction quickly when controlling the puck which makes zone entries easier. Stenman has an active stick that he uses to break up passes and apply pressure to the puck carrier. Blocking shots and getting in passing/shooting lanes helps Stenman to limit opponent shot attempts and scoring chances. He’s very creative with the puck and can set up goals with his vision and passing ability. Projecting as a strong 2-way center, Stenman would be a great addition this late in the draft as he has a ton of upside that has flown a bit under the radar. Stenman is a versatile goal scorer, using redirects, picking up rebounds in front or using his quick release to beat goalies straight on.
The Sabres go off the board and opt to pick the dynamic Swedish winger in William Eklund. With the likely departures of Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart, the Sabres not only start to re-stock their forward pipeline, but they get the best player in the draft at the same time.
The Kraken jump on the opportunity to take Owen Power at 1st overall. They hope that their franchise can transform Power into a #1 defenseman and a key building block for their new franchise.
Taking arguably the best 2-way center in the draft, Anaheim adds Beniers to their already strong, young forward group. Passing the reigns to this younger group of prospects, the Ducks don’t need Beniers to slot into a Top 6 role right away. The talented forward is likely headed back to Michigan next year.
The Devils take the best offensive-minded defender in the class. His skating is a bit of a hot button issue, but the Devils happily take him and add him to a group already featuring offensive talent Ty Smith.
With the uncertainty of defensemen Seth Jones future with the club, and injuries plaguing members of their top 6 last season, it’s no surprise that Columbus is in need of a solid, puck moving defensemen. With Owen Power and Brandt Clarke already off the board, the Blue Jackets turn to the next best option in USNTDP D Luke Hughes.
With the future between the pipes a big question mark in Detroit, they decide to select the best goaltender in the draft with Jesper Wallstedt. Steve Yzerman has shown in the past that he’s not afraid to go off the board. Don’t be surprised if they take a goalie with the 6th overall pick.
The Sharks just need some high-end prospects, especially after losing a high draft pick to Ottawa last season. Guenther was very impressive during his shortened WHL season with the Oil Kings and will be a solid piece for the aging Sharks to add with the looming rebuild hanging over their heads.
McTavish has been a big riser in the ranks and it’s no surprise that the savvy LA Kings add the strong center to their extremely talented prospect pool. Playing a very well rounded game, McTavish looks to be a center who has a nice blend of size, speed, and offensive skills to make him a nightmare for opposing teams.
The North Vancouver native goes home to the Canucks. Vancouver gets a talented offensive creator with an extremely high-ceiling. Johnson is creative with the puck and is an excellent playmaker. The Canucks will be thrilled to add him to a young core featuring talented offensive young guns like Hoglander and Podkolzin.
With the emergence of recent draft picks Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson and Josh Norris, the Senators look to bolster their blueline much like they did with their second 1st round pick in 2020. With Power, Clarke and Hughes already selected, Ottawa selects Simon Edvinsson, the 6’4” offensively skilled rearguard from Onsala, Sweden.
There are not many things that the Chicago Blackhawks love more than NTDP prospects. They have drafted one in every draft since 2016. They add a solid one here in Lucius who looks to be a natural goal scorer with his high-end release.
Some off-ice issues have caused Lysell to fall down the boards, but it’s certainly not for lack of talent. The Swedish forward is electric on the ice and plays a very fast-paced and high-skilled game. Calgary could use some higher end forward prospects in their pipeline and grabbing Lysell at 13 is an excellent choice.
A lethal goal scoring prospect with an excellent shot that will translate to any level. Sillinger left the WHL when it was on pause to play in the USHL and he produced at well over a point per game. The Flyers finished in the middle of the pack in terms of goals scored last season, and adding a sniper like Sillinger into their stable of prospects is something they will jump at.
The Stars have been stockpiling an impressive young group of forwards over the past few seasons, and that trend continues here with the selection of Flint Firebirds winger Brennan Othmann. Othmann is a very talented power forward with a bit of an edge to his game, and can definitely be a force on the scoresheet. Fresh off an excellent showing at the IIHF U18’s in Texas, Othmann heads back to the Lone Star State as the newest member of the Stars.
The Rangers have a nice prospect pool with no immediate glaring weaknesses, so they can go with the best player available in Lambos. They’ve built a very impressive pipeline of defensive prospects and Lambos is a safe bet to become a solid NHL defenseman for them in a couple seasons.
The Blues could use some fun offensive prospects in their pool and that is exactly what they will get in Matthew Coronato. He dominated the USHL last season with 85 points in 51 games and has very intriguing offensive instincts as a mid-1st round selection.
Already boasting a strong group of centers, Winnipeg takes the best defensive forward in this class. There’s a case to be made that Svechkov is the safest prospect in this draft to turn into a middle-six NHL player given his extremely high hockey IQ and play driving ability. He’s not the fastest nor the most skilled, but Svechkov is reliable and will be shutting down opponents’ top lines in the near future.
Once considered the favorite for the 1st overall pick, Raty falls to 19th because of questions about his offensive cieling. He’s an extremely smart player and plays well at both ends of the ice. If he can find his groove on offense again and continue to develop his two-way play, Nashville could end up with the steal of the draft by taking a chance on him at this point in the first round.
With a glaring need for help in goal, the Oilers choose to pass on Sebastian Cossa here, instead opting for some help just outside of the crease in this Shattuck St. Mary’s defenceman. Morrow is quite successful in transition, and definitely has an affinity for the offensive zone. His game is relatively close in comparison to his new teammate, Tyson Barrie.
The Bruins are kind of light when it comes to their prospects on defense, so they go with a Czech defenseman in Svozil. With the Bruins picking late year-after-year in the first round, their prospect pool is very thin. Svozil will add some nice depth on their blue line.
The Wild jump on the opportunity to add a quality defensive prospect in Corson Ceulmans in the back-end of the 1st round. He has the potential to be one of the best defensemen to come out of this draft if he can add a little more consistency to his game.
Steve Yzerman seems to have a long term plan to turn things around in Detroit. After grabbing Wallstedt earlier in the draft, he takes sniper Simon Robertsson here at 23. The Red Wings already have a strong group of Swedish forwards in the pipe and Robertsson just makes that group even deeper. He will likely fall into a nice role in the middle 6, maximizing his on ice offensive impacts.
Florida adds another highly skilled forward to their prospect pool. Samoskevich is a play-driving forward who has the confidence to make plays for himself and for his teammates. Capale of scoring and being a distrubutor because of his top-end speed and puck skills, the Panthers grab a future top-6 forward with top line upside.
With Columbus addressing their need on defence selecting Luke Hughes 5th overall, they’ll look to go forward here with the pick acquired from Toronto in the Nick Foligno trade. They do just that, selecting Leksands winger Isak Rosen. Rosen is a talented player with a rich hockey IQ, and absolutely lethal in transition. Look for him to light it up alongside the likes of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Cam Atkinson in the seasons ahead.
The Wild have done well in the first round the last couple of seasons and they make a great pick at 26 by drafting Stankoven. He may very well be the steal of the first round; year after year, the talented, undersized forward slips down the draft board. There’s no doubt that Logan Stankoven will be that guy in 2021.
The Carolina Hurricanes are not afraid to take a gamble on Russian prospects and they get a solid one here with Nikita Chibrikov. He provides the Canes with yet another talented forward prospect in their already loaded prospect pool. This team should be fun for a very long time.
The Avalanche are built to be a cup contender for many more years which will allow them to give Pinelli the time to develop and hit the NHL full speed in a few years. The fast skating center plays a strong transition game that will mesh well with how Colorado plays. He offers a very balanced offensive game as a goal scorer and playmaker.
Widely considered the 2nd best goalie in this draft and with potential top-15 upside, the Devils are thrilled to see his name still on the board at 29. They take Cossa with the hopes that he will develop into a 1 or 1A to pair with rising star, Mackenzie Blackwood. With their 2nd of two first rounders they are willing to go with their best player available. There’s no doubt that Cossa is the best player available at this point.
There isn’t many teams in the NHL who couldn’t use a dynamic offensive powerhouse, and that’s just what Vegas gets with the 30th pick in Ayrton Martino. An explosive skater with arguably the best breakway speed in the entire Draft Class, Martino is an exceptional playmaker, who can also rack up the goals. Vegas will likely be thrilled with this selection in the years to come.
Montreal going with Bourgault wouldn’t be much of a surprise considering they sometimes tend to have a bias towards the Quebec born players. Montreal adds a very talented forward with this selection and is more of the boom or bust type.
Jarmo Kekäläinen goes with the big Finnish center to close out the 1st round. Salminen flashed his goal scoring ability at the U18s, netting 7 goals in 7 games for Finland. He provides some much needed center depth to the Blue Jackets’ prospect pool.
THE COMPLETION OF THE 2020-21 SEASON SAW MANY CHANGES TO THE SABRES FARM SYSTEM. THIS SECTION CONSISTS OF THE PLAYERS WHO HAVE GRADUATED FROM PROSPECT STATUS AND ARE CONSIDERED PART OF THE ORGANIZATION MOVING FORWARD. GRADUATING TO THIS STATUS MEANS THAT EACH PROSPECT HAS SHOWN THAT THEY HAVE DEVELOPED INTO A PLAYER WHO IS CAPABLE OF BEING A STARTING PLAYER IN THE NHL.
Dylan Cozens had an excellent DY+2 and is locked into the Sabres starting lineup for the foreseeable future. After a strong performance at the World Junior Tournament where he earned a Silver Medal, Cozens made his NHL debut and was right at home. Cozens showed off his NHL size and speed combination along with his ability to score goals and be a playmaker. Adding in a couple of fights along the way, Cozens showed that he has tremendous leadership potential to go with his already solid 2-way game. While it wouldn’t be wise to thrust him into a top line role, Cozens should continue to develop into an excellent 2nd line center and be a big part of a Sabres turnaround.
Casey Mittelstadt entered this season with very tempered expectations from the fan base after failing to live up to the hype he generated at the World Junior Tournament back in 2017. Honing his defensive game and conditioning in Rochester last year, Mittelstadt was one of the few bright spots in a very deflating season for Buffalo. Flashing some skill that got him drafted in the Top 10, Mittelstadt also showed he was capable of driving a 3rd line and with positive analytical results. Given this shift in development, Mittelstadt looks to be a key piece in the Top 9 for the upcoming rebuild.
After a strong season in Liiga the year prior, Ruotsalainen was expected to come over to North America right away but COVID-19 put that on hold. Picking up right where he left off though, Ruotsalainen was one of the top players in Finland’s top league prior to heading to Sabres training camp. Arguably someone who deserved to start in Buffalo, Ruotsalainen required no adjustment to playing in North America and was excellent for the Amerks, scoring a point per game in 13 games before being called up. In Buffalo, he showed his goal scoring abilities and solid puck possession which appear to slot him in a Top 9 role moving forward.
An early season injury derailed a promising start for Borgen who did ultimately return late in the season and finished up with 10 games played and no points. Never known to be an offensive producer, Borgen earned his callup from a strong season in Rochester in 2019-20 and his responsible and sound play defensively. Borgen knows how to play a physical game and while he doesn’t project to be a point producer, he has the makings of a reliable shut down defender who can only improve with more NHL experience. Likely best suited as a 3rd pair defender on the right side, Borgen offers some penalty killing ability and has some room on the depth chart to continue to develop in the NHL.
Tage was given every opportunity to succeed right out of the gate, getting some looks on the top line with Eichel but ultimately did not show the ability to play at that level. Thompson still possesses great speed and an incredible shot that have a lot of potential to make him an impact player. A key part for Thompson moving forward is to slow the game down mentally and take what is given to him as he still has a tendency to do too much with the puck or lose his spatial awareness. At the moment, Thompson is projected to be a bottom 6 player who can contribute on a 2nd line powerplay.
It is no surprise that Bryson would get a call up to the NHL this year after how successful in Rochester he was the year prior. Bryson has great skating and puck carrying abilities that help him in transition and perform controlled zone exits and entries. These skills by Bryson make him an impact player in the offensive zone but he still needs to show improvement in his own end where he had issues allowing high danger chances against. A high event hockey player in the truest sense, the positives in Bryson’s game are natural talents of his and with more experience, it’s reasonable to expect him to improve his defensive play and minimize those dangerous attempts against. With the left side of the defensive depth chart already deep and likely to get deeper, Bryson is going to need to make some big strides quickly if he is to earn a roster spot next year.
Peterka had a strong DY+1 season that saw him start off in the ICEHL where he averaged over a point per game, waiting for the German pro league DEL to start up. Once EHC Munchen started, Peterka didn’t get first line minutes and had a tough time producing in the first half of the season. Down the stretch though, Peterka was on fire, putting up 6 goals and 7 assists in his final 12 games. Representing Germany at the World Tournament, Peterka made an immediate impact on play driving, even scoring a goal with his accurate shot. Peterka has all of the makings of a 2nd line winger and is right on track with his development. It’s possible that he heads to Rochester next season but if not, he will return to DEL to play for Red Bull Munchen.
As the OHL season never came to fruition, Quinn got an opportunity to play in the AHL up until an injury ended his season prematurely. Quinn was part of a Silver Medal Canada team at the World Juniors where he rotated through the lineup and was used in more of a shut down role instead of an offensive threat one. Normally, Quinn wouldn’t have been allowed to play in Rochester in his DY+1 until the OHL season ended so this chance to play at the AHL level was valuable for Quinn. Quinn showed off some of his play making ability that wasn’t as highly touted as his goal scoring so it was great to see that his offensive game is versatile. Having said that, the best is yet to come for Quinn and the goals will come soon for the future hopeful Top 6 forward.
As someone who struggled to produce in his DY+1, Ryan Johnson started to show offensive flashes and was one of the better defensemen for Minnesota this season. Known for his excellent skating and puck moving abilities, Johnson developed into a steady presence for the Gophers and is still looking like a strong bet to be a 2nd pair NHL defenseman. Given his base set of skills, it would make sense for the points to start piling up for Johnson eventually but it’s his impacts that show up in the analytics that will help him develop into an NHL defender. This upcoming year for Johnson will be his DY+3 and is a huge season for him to show why he was deserving of a 1st round selection back in 2019.
While his sample size was very small in Michigan, Portillo was very strong in net for the Wolverines. The Swedish netminder is in line to take over starting duties next year and build off two very good seasons in the USHL and NCAA. Portillo is a large goaltender at 6’6” and uses his size well to challenge shooters, but isn’t overly reliant on his frame to make saves for him as his reflexes and puck tracking ability are excellent. There’s a poise in the net that Portillo exhibits that make him look like a good bet to make the NHL and this upcoming season will be a great test to continue his already strong development.
UPL hasn’t exactly had a great development since his Gold Medal win at the World Juniors a few years ago, struggling at times in both the ECHL and Rochester in 2019-20. Starting out in Liiga while the AHL season was on hold, Luukkonen played fairly well but was not very consistent in net. The massive goaltender continued to struggle when the AHL season started up in Rochester, but got called up to Buffalo and earned his first career NHL win, playing in 4 games total. Given his lack of positive development the last few years, he gets edged out by Portillo as the top goaltending prospect, but still possesses a ton of potential that may need a few more years time to come to fruition.
It was an interesting year for Samuelsson who has unfairly drawn some criticism due to the Sabres choosing to not select forwards in the 2nd round. Not known to be an offensive producer, Samuelsson was a bright spot in the Rochester lineup this past year. Surprisingly, Samuelsson was a big contributor in the offensive zone, finding the scoresheet on a semi regular basis while showing that he was physically ready to defend at a higher level. A late season call up got him some action in the NHL where he showed his development is right on track but still needs some more time.
One of the biggest surprises this season was Oskari Laaksonen who had a down year in 2019-20. Moving over to Pelicans in Liiga to start the season, Laaksonen showed a lot of positives offensively which is the most natural part of his game. Laaksonen then made a seamless transition to Rochester partway through the year where he was one of the most consistent players for the Amerks, leading all defensemen on the roster as a rookie. With the lack of depth on the right side, Laaksonen is showing great signs in his development that he can assume a role in the NHL someday soon.
One of the best comeback stories in all of hockey, Aaron Huglen took the USHL by storm after going 20 months without playing a game of hockey due to injury. n fact, these were Huglen’s first games since being drafted by the Sabres back in the 4th round in 2019. Dazzling at times with his excellent stickhandling ability and quick release, Huglen was a staple on the top line of the Force and showed he has tremendous upside if his development continues. Huglen will head to Minnesota next year to play at the collegiate level where he can build off of his strong DY+2.
A strong year for Wisconsin helped earn Weissbach an Entry Level Contract with the Sabres. After going 4 years with the Badgers, Weissbach had earned the right to go to free agency when his rights would have expired this August but elected to accept a deal with the Sabres. Playing a big role for Wisconsin and getting major minutes, Weissbach was a key contributor for the Badgers, especially on the powerplay where he used his excellent vision to distribute the puck for scoring chances. As a former 7th round pick, earning an ELC is quite a testament to Weissbach’s commitment to his own development and the skill set he has shown to date.
Brett Murray has had a long development path since being selected in the 4th round back in 2016. With is 6’5” frame, Murray is a power forward in the truest sense and has done an excellent job of making contributions offensively, especially in tight by the net. He’s very hard to move off of the puck and nearly matched his production from the year prior in half of the games played. Murray did 2 NHL games under his belt in Buffalo this year and offers some organizational depth at forward, though he doesn’t project as much more than a 4th line call up as needed.
Recently signing his entry level contract with the Sabres, Rousek was a 6th round pick back in 2019 as an overager. Rousek has had a lot of success in the Czech Pro League the last few years and ended with a career year on one of the top teams in that league. Rousek has the makings of a 4th line NHL player with his high compete level and contributions at both ends of the ice. His skating stride has always been one of the weaker parts of his game but he certainly generates a lot of speed which he uses to apply pressure to the puck carrier and chase loose pucks. Rousek has a nose for the net and his style of play should translate well to the AHL next year.
Cederqvist struggled to make much of an impact in Sweden the year after he was drafted in the 5th round. Taken as an overager, things didn’t look bright for Cederqvist heading into this season but he did an excellent job of showing he is a prospect to continue monitoring. The skating elements of Cederqvists game allowed him to control the pace at times and he was able to be a major factor for Tingsryds in the 2nd highest league in Sweden, Allsvenskan. Cederqvist is more of a distributor, but does show a consistent ability to take his shot attempts from high danger areas of the ice.
A fan favorite prospect for Sabres fans due to his gritty play and offensive skills, Pekar started the year off in the Czech Republic where he had moderate success. As the AHL season started, Pekar had a hard time adjusting to the new league and made hardly any impact, failing to register a point through his first 17 games. Pekar did seem to get a better feel for the speed and style of the AHL though as he put up all 6 of his points in the team’s final 8 games of the season, even picking up his 1st career AHL goal. The forward who plays with an edge had shown positive signs of development prior to this year and should have a great opportunity to take what he learned from his first professional season, and grow as a prospect.
Originally slated to play in the BCHL, Costantini had to change his plans as that league had a lot of uncertainty if and when they would be able to play. Making the transition to the USHL with many others from the Western Canadian leagues, Costantini had a lot of success early on for the Musketeers. A highly skilled forward who is able to slow the game down with the puck on his stick, Costantini had flashes of why he was selected in the 5th round of the 2020 NHL Draft. As of writing this, the plan is for Costantini to jump to the collegiate ranks and join one of the nations perennial top programs in North Dakota.
Konecny was on the younger side of draft eligible players in the 2020 draft and got selected in the 7th round where many swings are typically taken. A high energy player who is constantly moving his feet, Konecny has excellent defensive awareness to go along with his offensive skills. At the moment, Konency is expected to jump to Extraliga next season with Sparta Praha. Seeing how Lukas Rousek was able to develop with this same team is encouraging for a player like Konency who does have some similar traits to his game as Rousek. Arguably a better skater though, Konency will look to fine tune his game in the Czech Republic and give a better look at what type of player he can be for the Sabres.
The 24 year old right shot defenseman has seen his development stall a bit over the last few seasons, though he did see a minor increase in his offensive production with Rochester last year. Logging some big minutes for the Amerks, Fitzgerald doesn’t offer much in the way of controlled zone exits/entries. Fitzgerald has turned into a reliable defender at the AHL level as he plays a simple game that doesn’t put himself into trouble. As an RFA that is arbitration eligible, it would not be shocking to see the Sabres pass on an extension with Fitzgerald who serves as more organizational depth than potential NHL player.
After his 3rd season in Rochester, Andrew Oglevie has shown some potential to receive a call up to the NHL in a 4th line capacity. He has shown that he can score at the AHL level since being signed as a UDFA out of Notre Dame. Given the uncertainty surrounding the center depth chart in the short term, Oglevie looks like a good candidate to show off his reliable play at the next level but appears to be no more than organizational depth and a good veteran in Rochester. With one more year left on his ELC, Oglevie will become a UFA at the end of the 2021-22 season.
The former Penn State captain saw his first action in the AHL and started to look more comfortable in Rochester as the shortened season went on. Biro is certainly a bit of a longshot at this point in his career though his Junior and Senior seasons at Penn State leave some optimism that he could possibly carve out a role on the 4th line some day. Building off a decent start in Rochester will be critical for Biro to continue his development at a higher level. There should be plenty of opportunity for Biro to play big minutes for the Amerks in 2021-22 and make a name for himself.
In his DY+3, Miska Kukkonen was a regular for Lukko, one of the top teams in Liiga, playing in 51 games and picking up 10 points along the way. Kukkonen is physically a solid player and is a traditional defenseman in the way he protects the front of the net and plays the body. While Kukkonen saw a slight increase in his offensive production, he has not shown the ability to be a transition defender who can clear his zone with possession, nor into the opposing team’s territory. The Sabres own the rights to the former 5th round pick for one more year and Kukkonen will have to make some major strides to earn an ELC.
One of the overagers drafted by Buffalo at the 2020 Draft, Lyckåsen bounced around multiple leagues in Sweden. Getting a stint with minimal minutes in the SHL with Linkoping, Lyckåsen played 9 games but failed to register a point. Lyckåsen did well in the 2nd tier Swedish league Allsvenskan where he used his excellent mobility to drive play with the puck. With his vision in the offensive zone and already solid ability to defend, Lyckåsen enters a DY+3 where he could take a big leap in his development as he’s on track to play full time in the SHL.
DiPietro was an undrafted free agent signed by the Sabres last year but an injury prevented DiPietro from seeing action with Rochester. A fellow teammate of Mattias Samuelsson at Western Michigan, DiPietro is good at using his speed to create scoring chances for himself. It’s hard to gauge just what DiPietro can be in the Sabres organization, but he has a nice set of offensive skills that make him worth watching as he plays his first games in the AHL next year.
Another defender from the 2018 class, Cronholm had a promising DY+2 but failed to build off of that development this past year. Bouncing in and out of the lineup for Malmo of the SHL, Cronholm did find himself demoted to Allsvenskan near the tail end of the season. With limited offensive upside, Cronholm relies on his defensive contributions to make an impact, though he isn’t one to carry the puck in transition. The Sabres own his rights until June 1st of 2022 so this is a big year coming up for the young Swede.
While the tall defender predominantly played this year in the top Swedish league, Worge Kreü had some issues playing against the talented competition. The concern with Worge Kreü lies in his skating where he just doesn’t have the speed to handle the oncoming rush, nor generate the rush on his own. Given how relatively young he is still, continuing to develop in the 2nd tier Allsvenskan league is best for him to hone some of his defensive skills and physical strength. With improvements to how he plays the game, he can compensate for his skating deficiencies, though it appears to be an uphill battle for him in a very deep left defense group in the Sabres organization.