Should the Buffalo Sabres go all-in for Shane Wright?

The Buffalo News reported some startling that the Buffalo Sabres rival up north could pass on perceived number one pick Shane Wright. 

You know the old saying: When you get a chance to select a franchise player, you take it. That may ring true for the Buffalo Sabres at the ninth overall pick. But Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News stated Shane Wright may not be the consensus number one selection in this year’s draft.

Which is a definite outlier, since Harrington stated that, over the past decade, everyone had a general idea of who would be the top pick. Literally from Nail Yakupov to Owen Power. These picks were also virtual locks to find success in the NHL, with only Yakupov riding the major bust label.

While Wright still logged gaudy numbers (94 points in 63 games), many draft analysts, Harrington pointed out, stated he hardly performed to expectations.

Should the Buffalo Sabres trade up for Shane Wright?

While it’s always great to have multiple first round picks, it’s also about how you use them. If Kevyn Adams believes the draft class is ultimately weaker toward the bottom or even the middle of the first round than previous drafts, and that strength lies toward the top, why not package a deal for Wright if he drops?

Right now, we need to assume the Sabres hold onto all three draft picks until further notice. But we also need to consider the possibility that they trade up and snag a top-five player. But even if the Canadiens take Wright with the first pick, there are other players they can consider.

Juraj Slafkovsky is another one. But on paper, he hardly dominated in Liiga, with just 10 points in 31 games and 74 points in 87 games this past season. But at 6’4, 225, Slafkovsky’s build is just one of a few reasons he has perhaps more upside than anyone else in the draft this season.

Then there is the undersized yet dominant Logan Cooley, whose 122 points in 82 games speak volumes. Despite his small size, Cooley’s hockey IQ is off the charts. Ditto for his speed and ability to create turnovers.

If the Sabres think they are one franchise player away from playoff contention for the next several seasons, they definitely need to consider trading up if Wright or any of the above three prospects fall past the third pick. While guys like Cooley may not be in an NHL uniform this season, they are only a season or two away and could help fuel a string of playoff runs.

(Statistics provided by My NHL Draft)