5 Players the Buffalo Sabres Need To Watch During the World Juniors

Aaron Ekblad- Canada 

Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Buffalo Sabres have a solid D core lined up with Tyler Myers, Rasmus Ristolainen, Mark Pysyk and Nikita Zadorov, Aaron Ekblad may be too good to pass up if the Sabres get the chance. Not to mention he would add another chip for the Sabres to make moves with around the NHL.

At just 17, Ekblad will be one of the youngest players in the tournament and at 6 foot 4, 213 pounds, he’s got lots of time to still grow. Imagine having a guy like him to help bolster the blue line? He was given exceptional status which is the reason he’s in the WHL at the age of 17. Any player given exceptional status, has the potential to be a game changer and he could be worth the pick.

He captained Team Canada at the U18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament to a gold medal and is in his third OHL season with the Barrie Colts. Ekblad has 25 points in 29 points which leads all Colts defencemen.