Buffalo Sabres: Meet the five picks signed from the 2021 NHL Draft
On Tuesday, the Buffalo Sabres signed Isak Rosen to an entry level contract, the fifth draft pick signed to the organization from 2021.
While the Buffalo Sabres continue to do away with picks from the ill-fated Jason Botterill regime, they have been busy in signing selections from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. And while you won’t see all five players on the ice together any time soon, they will contribute to the teams they play for in 2022-23.
If there is one common denominator about all the picks in the following slides, it is that all but one of them are forwards. But the lone defenseman on this list has already shown us his two-way ability that will only grow as he heads into his first season.
The Sabres also have an incredible talent that was a bit of a late bloomer, and another who can create plays for himself and for teammates at will. They also have a sleeper who may rise through the ranks faster than you might think, and finally, a highly elusive, agile winger.
Who are these players? Let’s meet them, beginning with a face you probably already met.
The Buffalo Sabres top pick: Owen Power
Power is slender, with plenty of real estate to grow into his 6’6 frame. But at 19, he has plenty of time to accomplish this. Power also played in just the last eight games, so it is premature to get too excited over what he brought.
But why spoil the fun? Yeah, he had a few rough moments with four giveaways in those eight contests (41 when equated to an 82-game season). However, Power still scored three times, including a 20.0 shooting percentage with two goals. He also showed he was ready to play in the NHL with 22:05 of ice time.
During the last eight games, Power mainly paired with Henri Jokiharju on the second line. Jokiharju, who spent most of the season on the first pairing with Rasmus Dahlin, took his new role in stride. But the Sabres may look to sign an older, more accomplished veteran to pair with the young defenseman.
Look for Power to continue working his way into the two-way prowess, and 20 goals is a realistic projection. It will also be interesting to see how he fares in his defensive game. In his eight contests, he recorded nine blocks and six takeaways (92 and 62 when correlated to an 82-game season).
Josh Bloom
He had a 2019-20 season to forget, scoring just 14 times in 54 games. After the COVID-19 pandemic derailed his 2020-21 season, Bloom returned to the Saginaw Valley Spirit with a vengeance, posting 61 points in 67 games.
It was his best outing to date, and you can expect him to bring even more to the Spirit next season unless he somehow earns a spot on the Sabres main roster. However, given the logjam developing in Buffalo, odds are he will be one of the many odd men out.
But he will get a chance to further hone is skills with the Spirit in 2022-23 and make his AHL debut the following season. Bloom also displays sound leadership qualities and they are something the Sabres will expect him to build on for the upcoming season.
He will further enhance his dynamic skating ability, decision-making with the puck, and shot selection. Look for another career year from Bloom at the OHL level. More on Josh Bloom.
Alexandr Kisakov
Creativity defines Kisakov’s game and he displays such savvy puck control and skating ability that he is constantly confusing opposing defensemen. He loves to get close to them before shifting one way or another, displaying tremendous agility that allows for numerous breakaways.
In short, Kisakov is an expert at creating plays for himself. How good is he? 56 points in 51 games in 2021-22 and 73 points in 61 should tell you all you need to know. He also scored a combined 62 goals in that span. So overall, Kisakov is one of those guys who will skate right into the AHL and continue where he left off.
Despite his agility, he does not rely on speed. Instead, Kisakov takes shorter strides, and prefers to use only agility to make his move and leave defenders behind. If he displays one major flaw, it is his size, clocking in at 150lb at 5’10. Translation: He needs to figure out how to add some much-needed bulk.
Of all the prospects listed, Kisakov has the best chance of seeing NHL ice first. Especially if he continues to produce at a high level in the AHL. More on Alexandr Kisakov.
Olivier Nadeau
Over the past two seasons, Nadeau has been a revelation for the Shawinigan Cataractes, posting 123 points in 99 games. Unlike most young prospects, he also pretty much filled his frame, weighing 204 pounds at 6’2. But don’t be surprised if he grows a little more.
Unlike Kisakov, there is no special agility or even speed to his game, and they are two areas he must hone before he even senses a spot in the AHL. But, given his productivity at the QMJHL level, expect him to make the necessary improvements, post one of the best seasons in the league, and join the AHL ranks in 2023-24.
He may even have Bloom, Kisakov, and Isak Rosen with him. if that occurs, the Amerks are going to be red-hot. The major takeaways with Nadeau are his upside in production and size. So if he can improve his skating ability and speed, he may become one of the most complete players in the Buffalo Sabres system. More on Olivier Nadeau.
Isak Rosen
The Buffalo Sabres drafted Rosen 14th overall in a pick they acquired from the Rasmus Ristolainen trade. Much like Kisakov, Rosen is excellent in creating space, using his agility to make plays, whether it’s passing the puck or scoring goals.
And while he has had little success against experienced players in his native Sweden, Rosen took over games at the Jr. level, scoring 56 times in 58 games. Look for that trend to continue as he enters the AHL following an adjustment period, given the overall physicality associated with North American hockey’s second-tier.
But, expect Rosen to catch on quickly and perhaps even pair with Kisakov early. While he does not seem to be as NHL-ready as Kisakov, look for the future dynamic duo to eventually work their way onto the Sabres main roster in time.
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With the talent the Sabres have acquired, this will be no easy feat. But given the overall player movement in the NHL, Rosen’s debut in the blue and gold will be inevitable. The question is: When? More on Isak Rosen.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference, Hockey DB, and Elite Prospects)