Buffalo Sabres: 4 prospects to target with the 41st pick

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KITCHENER, ONTARIO – MARCH 23: Ty Nelson #24 of Team Red skates against Team White in the 2022 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on March 23, 2022 in Kitchener, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) /

Ty Nelson, RHD/North Bay Battalion (OHL)

The Buffalo Sabres have great depth at defenseman at the top level, but they are lacking it within their system, starting in the AHL. Nelson would definitely help out that cause, and by looking at his 5’10, 196lb frame, he will immediately remind you of a slightly bulkier Casey Fitzgerald.

And talk about a two-way player. Nelson playing in his first full season in the OHL, scored 51 points, nine goals, and 42 assists in 66 games. He also tacked on another 10 assists in 13 playoff games.

You won’t find many, if any, defensemen faster than Nelson in this draft class. He will take some unnecessary risks with the puck, and they predictably do not all pan out. If he wasn’t so risky with the puck, chances are he could be a first round pick, and the 2022 TCB NHL Draft Guide even said there is an outside chance the Sabres nab him with the 28th pick, instead of the 41st.

He has a lot of raw ability, and it is why he won’t fall beyond the second round. If the Sabres think they can coach up his decision-making skills, they just snagged yet another two-way defenseman for the organization.

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