3 right-handed defensemen for the Buffalo Sabres at 28th overall

Ryan Chesley, University of Minnesota

Chesley’s good but not great skating ability remains a work in progress, but his confidence and sound skills with the puck will catapult him into the first round. Some fans may say he doesn’t produce well enough to be a first round pick, but as I’ve stated many times, not all production appears on the stat sheet.

However, many identify him as a solid two-way player who can play an adequate game in all three zones, disrupt opposing forwards in the defensive zone, and work the puck quickly in transition with above-average passing ability.

Almost everything about Chesley, from his size to his playing style, reminds me of Henri Jokiharju. There isn’t much flash to Joki’s game, and you can say the same about Chesley. He’s not going to lay the smackdown on opponents the way Mattias Samuelsson does. And he’s not going to be a scoring machine like Rasmus Dahlin.

Instead, Chesley is going to give you a solid return night in and night out. He will work more on his offensive game, most likely his shot selection, when he arrives at the University of Minnesota this fall.