June has arrived and the Buffalo Sabres are within one month of finding out who will join the current list of high draft picks that General Manager Tim Murray will be adding to in the draft.
Can and will Tim Murray solely use the draft to rebuild this franchise into something more than what it has been in recent years? Right now he is working with what he has. [National Post].
The Buffalo Sabres released an infograph on the “plan” and it basically highlighted draft picks that the team has used in recent off seasons, and what resources the team has in up coming drafts.
But the Buffalo Sabres don’t want you to think that their second overall draft pick this year is going to be crowned the savior that will pull the team out of the dungeons. Tim Murray wants you to remember guys like Ryan Miller, Niklas Hjalmarsson, and Henrik Lundqvist were all selected in the later rounds of the draft. Don’t lose hope after the first round. Who knows who the Buffalo Sabres can uncover.
The Buffalo Sabres are going to take the best available player with the second overall pick when they approach the podium for the first time later this month. [Buffalo News].
Does this mean we should be prepared to have Aaron Ekblad in the organization? Tim Murray doesn’t think that Ekblad is a franchise player, but after the combine he could be the player that is left standing for the Buffalo Sabres to select. But with the second overall pick in the draft, and three top prospects to choose from, it doesn’t have to be Ekblad. With Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadarov – and several other defensive options already in the mix, the Buffalo Sabres should only be thinking Sam for the upcoming draft.
Injury and rumor surrounding Chris Stewart the minute he arrived in Buffalo – but the forward wants to stay and help. But ask Matt Moulson and that doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a spot in the franchise for long. [Sports Media 101].
Tim Murray proved last season that he doesn’t like to have expiring contracts of big name players that he can move to make a difference while rebuilding a franchise. Unfortunately for Stewart he is on an expiring contract. That is good news for the Buffalo Sabres. One of two things can happen for Stewart in a contract year for him. The Buffalo Sabres will likely see his play elevate as he plays for his next contract. That means the Sabres will be able to see that they can build around the former St. Louis Blue – or his trade value will increase and he will be sent to a contender near the deadline for more moving parts as the Buffalo Sabres seek to get better.
The Chicago Blackhawks face another elimination game today, the only difference today is the light at the end of the tunnel is at its brightest, and the Los Angeles Kings find themselves up against the elimination ropes as well. Either way, tonight we will have the final matchup and the best of seven series will be set to see who will battle the New York Rangers for the right to be called Champions.