Buffalo Sabres: 4 prospects to target with the 41st pick
By Sion Fawkes
We have talked about what the Buffalo Sabres will do in the first round. But how will they use the 41st pick in the 2022 Draft? Here are four targets.
The Buffalo Sabres have a few former second round picks in their organization who have become contributors in some form. J.J. Peterka won All-Rookie honors over in Rochester and he is expected to make the jump to the NHL this season.
Rasmus Asplund may not score much, but his defensive prowess landed him in the top 20 for the Selke Trophy. And finally, Mattias Samuelsson has become an absolute sledgehammer on the first and second defensive pairings, so there is a lot of potential in second round picks.
Most players picked in the second round will need time to develop, so we aren’t exactly looking for the next J.J. Peterka here. Though it’d be great if they did find one. But if they found another Samuelsson or Asplund, the Buffalo Sabres faithful should be just fine with that five years from today.
Who will the Sabres target? Keep reading to find out.
4 targets for the Buffalo Sabres at pick 41: Prospect #1 – Paul Ludwinski, C/Kingston (OHL)
At 5’11, 172, Ludwinski definitely needs to add bulk to his frame. About 20lbs worth, but that will come in time. He saw his first season of action for the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL in 2021-22 and scored 43 points, 16 goals, and 27 assists in 67 contests.
He takes a simplistic approach to his game, has the ability to pressure opponents while playing defense, and makes sound decisions when in possession of the puck. He’s also quick with his decision-making.
Overall, Ludwinski is an Asplund-like kind of player, featuring a no-frills, two-way style. He isn’t overly physical, but he is also unafraid to make contact when necessary. This enables him to force opponents into bad decisions with the puck, which, in turn, equals turnovers.
He is also effective on the penalty kill and one of the smartest players on the ice. If the Buffalo Sabres selected Ludwinski in the second round, they are getting an outstanding prospect at defensive forward. And since he was an effective playmaker on offense during his first full season in the OHL, he may evolve into a complete player in a few seasons.