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Buffalo Sabres: Can the 2021 and ’22 drafts rival the 1982 and ’83 drafts?

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – CIRCA 1988: Dave Andreychuk #25 of the Buffalo Sabers skates against the New Jersey Devils during an NHL Hockey game circa 1988 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Andreychuk’s playing career went from 1982-2006. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

The 1982 Draft

Notable Selections: Dave Andreychuk, Phil Housely, Paul Cyr, Jeff Parker

When a team has 15 draft picks and only four of them play over 100 NHL games, you wouldn’t think the draft class was so successful. And if you looked at it on paper as an outsider, odds are you would scoff at it.

Now, if you knew how much value Andreychuk and Housley had to the Buffalo Sabres, you would change your tune. And it is one reason many in the Sabres faithful hold this draft class in such high regard.

The Sabres landed an outstanding defenseman in Housley and a legendary left winger in Andreychuk. Andreychuk, in 837 games, logged 804 points, 368 goals, and 436 assists. Housley took it to the house 178 times with the Sabres. He also recorded 380 assists and 558 points.

Cyr played in 343 games with the Sabres and had 85 points, 111 goals, and 196 points. Few will remember his career, but most of the Sabres faithful will look back fondly at Cyr and note that he was a serviceable asset to the team between 1982-83 and 1987-88. Parker provided depth and a physical presence for the Sabres.

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