With the 2022 NHL Draft season in full swing, let’s check out four North American draft prospects for the Buffalo Sabres.
The Buffalo Sabres have three picks in the first round, two of which are in the top sixteen. This means they have an outstanding chance of possibly landing two of the four North American skaters listed in the following slides. Each of the following skaters possess at least one distinguishing attribute that makes them worthy of becoming a first round pick.
No, the Sabres won’t land all four prospects. That said, what you are about to read is not an NHL mock draft. Instead, these are four North American skaters that the Buffalo Sabres have a realistic chance at landing on draft day.
Buffalo Sabres Draft Prospect #1: Conor Geekie, C/Winnipeg
At 6’4, 205 pounds, Geekie possesses near-textbook size for an NHL center. While he needs to bulk up a little, his size alone makes him an NHL-ready prospect. He may actually be available when the Sabres pick at number sixteen, meaning they can realistically pair him with another player in this article.
While his skating remains raw, Geekie has developed into a dominant two-way player who mans the forecheck well. Scouts have raved about his hands and body control, giving him more of a physical presence on the ice.
He also had 70 points last season, 24 of which went for goals. Geekie would be an excellent second pick if the Sabres land Matthew Savoie (listed in the third slide). He and Savoie were teammates with the Winnipeg Ice so there is already chemistry if the Sabres can snag both prospects.