Buffalo Sabres: 3 potential first-round picks in 2022 NHL Draft – Pre Lottery
By Sion Fawkes
Jimmy Snuggerud , F/USDP, Minnesota
As of May 9th, 2022, Tankathon has the Sabres selecting defenseman Pavel Mintykov, who is currently playing for Saginaw in the OHL, with the pick acquired from Vegas,. This pick would make sense for Buffalo, considering Mintykov is already a teammate of Josh Bloom, who recently signed with the Sabres. So there’s chemistry there.
Plus, Mintykov is a dynamic two-way player, with an astounding 62 points in 67 games. However, the Sabres could go without drafting defensemen early in this draft, despite Mintykov’s sheer talent. Instead, look for them to take someone like Jimmy Snuggerud with their second of three first-round picks.
Like Mintykov, Snuggerud is a hot commodity on the offensive side of things. And like Gauthier, he possesses outstanding size for an eighteen-year-old forward, at 6’2, 185. However, he has room to grow into his frame.
Snuggerud saw a massive jump in production in 2021-22, with 96 points in 91 games. Watching film, Snuggerud is especially talented in one-on-one situations. Opponents must also account for the versatile forward’s speed and puck control ability. If he gets a breakaway opportunity, there is a 90% chance he will find twine.
Snuggerud has committed to the University of Minnesota, where he may see some playing time with Sabres prospect, defenseman Ryan Johnson.