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

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PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 17: Sam Rinzel #6 of Team Blue looks on in the second period of the USA Hockey All-American Game at USA Hockey Arena on January 17, 2022 in Plymouth, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

Sam Rinzel, Waterloo Battle Hawks (USHL)

Like Luneau, Rinzel could fall to the Buffalo Sabres with the 41st pick. But if he is the best prospect on their board at 28th overall, they need to grab this budding Mattias Samuelsson clone. TCB’s Draft Guide states he should be available in the early second, further providing a sense of urgency for the Sabres to snag him at 28th overall if there is no one on their board ranked higher.

He does have more two-way ability than Samuelsson, but it remains a work in progress, evidenced by his 10 points and two goals in 21 games last season. However, if Rinzel masters his offensive game, he may be the most complete RHD in this draft class when it’s all said and done, judging from his ideal size (6’3, 181lb), skating ability, plus a sound offensive and defensive skill-set.

If drafted, the Sabres will need to be patient with him. He will return to the USHL this coming season, looking to make a jump. Then it’s off to the University of Minnesota in 2023-24.

Related Story. Will the Buffalo Sabres go defense with the ninth pick?. light

Overall, I don’t foresee the Sabres going with an RHD at ninth or 16th, even if they go defense for those picks. It just makes no sense to reach for them so early. However, when their 28th overall pick rolls around, it is highly likely they at least consider one of the three prospects listed above, or even someone like Seamus Casey or Ty Nelson.

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)

Today’s article was made possible by the 2022 TCB NHL Draft Guide.

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