Buffalo Sabres: 3 first round talents who can fall on draft day
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres have three picks in the first round, but they could also snag a fourth first round talent if someone freefalls to them at 41.
There are always players ranked higher in any professional sports draft that are bound to tumble down the rankings. And you can rest assured that the Buffalo Sabres will have their eye on a few of them.
With the Sabres picking 41st overall, there are good odds that a few of these higher-ranked prospects slated to be drafted near the end of the first round or even early in the second can slip to them. And if that happens, they may have a potential steal on their hands.
So let’s meet these three potential freefalling prospects who might just be there in Round 2. Starting with a big center who still has room to grow into his frame.
3 first round talents who can fall to the Buffalo Sabres in Round 2: Prospect #1 – Filip Bystedt, C/Linkoping HC, J20, J18
Like most European prospects, Filip Bystedt didn’t do much on the scoring end in his respective pro league, recording just two points in 15 games for Linkoping HC. However, he played well for the J20 team, scoring 49 points, 16 goals, and 33 assists in just 40 games.
A two-way player, Bystedt’s offensive skills make up the dominant part of his game. He isn’t a risk-taker, making smart decisions with the puck. Especially when he is pinned deep in the defensive zone.
With his high hockey IQ, another distinguishing trait to Bystedt’s game is that he can diagnose a play within a fraction of a second. So if the Buffalo Sabres are looking for a large player who can create space quickly on offense or disrupt a play on defense, Bystedt might be their guy.
He is also unpredictable on offense and he tailors his game while on the attack instead of bringing just a single unique playing style. Once he reaches the NHL level, Bystedt will be both tough to defend and just as tough to play against from an offensive standpoint.
TCB’s 2022 Draft Guide projects him as a middle six forward in the NHL. And while they say he may not light up the stat sheet, they are telling you to judge Bystedt’s play with his microstats. So keep that in mind if Bystedt is indeed dressing up for the blue and gold a few seasons from today.