5 Players the Buffalo Sabres Need To Watch During the World Juniors
There are 5 players with ties to the Buffalo Sabres who are on their way to the World Junior Championships which kick off the day after Christmas. Mikhail Grigorenko, Nikita Zadorov, Gustav Possler, Rasmus Ristolainen and J.T. Compher are all Sabres prospects who are on their way to the World Juniors.
For the most part we know what to expect from Buffalo Sabres prospects who will be in the tournament, so we’re going to look at 5 players who aren’t in the Sabres organization who the Sabres should look at during the World Juniors.
Michael Dal Colle – Team Canada
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The Buffalo Sabres biggest need is a guy who is going to score goals and put up points and it sure wouldn’t hurt if they had a solid build. Michael Dal Colle of the Oshawa Generals is the perfect guy for the Sabres to target. Dal Colle is 6 foot 2 and already 172 pounds at the tender age of 17, when he hits 19 he’s going to be a beast of a young man. He uses his size to help him open up ice, yet plays disciplined hockey for the most part. He leads the Oshawa Generals of the OHL with 56 points in 35 games and is 3rd in OHL scoring overall in just his second OHL season.
Dal Colle is ranked 3rd amongst scouting reports heading into the 2014 NHL draft and with the Sabres potentially having 2 picks in the top 5, they should take a long hard look at Michael Dal Colle.
With Ryan Miller likely on his way out the Sabres are left with Jhonas Enroth and Matt Hackett between the pipes. Both are solid netminders in their own right, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another goaltender into the mix for some healthy competition. Currently with Boston College, Thatcher Demko is considered to be one of the best goaltenders available in the upcoming draft.
“He’s big, strong, great positionally. He’s got a great feel for the game. He’s able to sustain pressure, holds his ground. … He’s quiet, he’s calm, he’s poised, he doesn’t get rattled.” ~ Quote from NHL.com
Demko has played for both Team USA’s U17 and U18 teams as he’s risen up the ranks of the United States National Team Development Program and earned a scholarship to Boston. In 6 games with Boston College this season he’s gone 4-1-1 with a 2.31 GAA and a .911 S%.
The World Junior Tournament is always a big stage for goaltenders and many make their name on that stage. If Demko can do what John Gibson was able to do for the USA last year, Demko could become a desirable goaltender.
The Buffalo Sabres need centres and forwards as their defence core seems set for the future. Leon Draisaitl is considered to be the second best draft eligible player in the WHL behind Sam Reinhart. He is one of four returning players for Germany and will be looking to improve on his 6 points during last years tournament.
Draisaitl has put up 51 points in 33 games this year leading the Prince Albert Rebels of the WHL and has been touted as a first class prospect ahead of this years draft. At 6 foot 2 198 pounds, Draisaitl is certainly a larger forward and could be that checking/power-forward the Sabres need.
“He plays a big power-forward style of game” ~ Quote from Central Scouting’s B.J. MacDonald from NHL.com
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.
The Sabres are extremely weak at left wing, so they should seriously consider drafting some left wingers and Ivan Barbashev could be the right guy. He’s a fellow Russian and could spark chemistry with Mikhail Grigorenko and the two will get the chance to play together at the World Juniors.
Much like Grigorenko, Barbashev also reigns from the QMJHL where he plays for the Moncton Wildcats. He has 34 points in 27 games which leads the Wildcats.
Honourable Mention
Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
- Connor McDavid. At 16, McDavid will be the youngest player at the 2014 World Juniors as he plays against guys 4 years older than himself. He’s having a great year in the OHL and is expected to be the first overall pick in 2015.
- Sam Reinhart. Yes I know it’s odd that I didn’t put the expected first overall pick for this years draft in my top 5, but there’s too much uncertainty around this draft and I’m not sold on Reinhart. He does play centre and at 6 foot 1 he has great size, but does he have the skill to be the number one centre for the Sabres of the future? He’s certainly benefiting from a weak draft and who know’s what his potential will be.