I didn’t anticipate the fifth round of the NHL Entry draft to expose so many great players for the Buffalo Sabres. I figured once we got to the fifth round and beyond, the decision making process was going to be easier. But here are the list of candidates that I think are the All-Time Buffalo Sabres top fifth round draft selection.
Alexander Mogilny. Ok, that right there is a statement in itself, how did Mogilny slip to the fifth round? Certainly the answer is obvious, the Iron Curtain and defection were big at the time, but what a payoff for the gambling Buffalo Sabres on this draft pick.
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Rob Ray – the things he did for this organization both on and off the ice – a fan favorite forever, if only that should include him on the list of notable fifth round draft picks. As far as fan favorites goes – he is the biggest name on the list that could include Steve Shields, Richard Smehlik, and Yuri Khmylev.
Nathan Gerbe – while no longer on the team he was a favorite of some while he was here.
Ryan Miller – Miller had tall shoes to fill when stepping into the crease in the shadow of Dominik Hasek. I think he stood up to the task – he was no Hasek, but he gave the Buffalo Sabres some great hockey.
A tough call for the best overall fifth round draft pick, but it has to go to come down to Alexander Mogilny and Ryan Miller. And with that, my choice here goes to Alexander Mogilny. Why Mogilny and not Miller – because Mogilny was a gamble even in the fifth round.
So with the best fifth round pick – we give it to the 89th overall pick in the 1988 NHL Entry draft – Alexander Mogilny.
More From SabreNoise – Will We See Number 89 In The Rafters?
The sixth round really bears no contest, and it surprises me that this name even fell that far. While it didn’t have a stellar career, he did pick up a Stanley Cup win, and is probably going to be remembered the most for his thundering check on RJ Umberger.
With the 156th pick in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres selected Brian Campbell – who goes down as the top sixth round pick in franchise history.
Next: Rounds 7 and 8