Getting to know the Buffalo Sabres’ 2018 NHL draft class

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 23: Matej Pekar poses for a portrait after being selected 94th overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 23: Matej Pekar poses for a portrait after being selected 94th overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 23, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
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buffalo sabres rasmus dahlin
DALLAS, TX – JUNE 22: Rasmus Dahlin poses after being selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres selected five defenseman and one center during this year’s NHL Draft, including the first overall selection in the draft.

It’s something that’s been said in each of the past few drafts for the Buffalo Sabres, but there’s no doubt the team got better following the 2018 NHL Draft. The team continues to build a very strong young core and with their newest addition on defense, their first overall pick, the rebuilding could soon come to an end.

The Sabres would end up using five picks this year bolstering their defense. We might not see most of them for a year or two, but they will all provide some depth once they develop on a smaller stage first. Of course, Rasmus Dahlin will be asked to contribute immediately, but the rest of the draft class will be asked to prove themselves first.

Ultimately, the Sabres added six young players this season, three of which came from Sweden. To total it out, there was also one from the United States, one from Czech Republic and one from Finland. As you’ll find out soon enough, one was the first overall pick of the draft, one has already received some positive feedback from Team USA coaches and one is highly regarded as a future breakout player.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Buffalo Sabres’ 2018 draft class.