Buffalo Sabres: Final mock draft featuring all 11 picks
By Sion Fawkes
Today is the day! The Buffalo Sabres have three picks in tonight’s draft, so I am presenting my final mock before the two-day event featuring all 11 picks.
The Buffalo Sabres will start things off tonight with the ninth, 16th, and 28th overall picks. However, this mock draft, unlike previous mocks, will feature all 11 picks for the Sabres – three today, and eight tomorrow.
This mock does not include trades, so I’m not going to project the Sabres trade up or down regarding their three picks in the first. Instead, this mock will assume they are trading nothing. I have also taken the liberty of not having read any mocks or news reports for this one, since expecting the unexpected is key here.
That said, you may find some unexpected surprises from the first and all the way to the seventh round. Let’s dive in, starting with the ninth overall selection.
With the ninth pick, the Buffalo Sabres select Danila Yurov, RW/Stalnye Lisy (MHL)
Yurov can definitely add some size to his 6’1, 179lb frame, but he won’t need much more than 10-15lb. This high IQ player comes with two-way tendencies and he has a relentless spirit, both major pluses. And despite a two-way game, most know Yurov for his offense and yes, he will be a major producer when he reaches the NHL level.
Perhaps no one else in the 2022 NHL Draft displays better on-ice awareness and vision, which only enhances his playmaking capabilities. He’s one of those players who, when he gets adequate space, is bound to make a play without hesitation. And often, it allows Yurov to either create a scoring opportunity for others or himself.
While, like most Russian draft prospects, he saw little time in the KHL, his dominant play in the MHL was a different story. He does have an uncertain contract situation in Russia, so that could be a red flag. But given Yurov’s playmaking capabilities and ability to play well in all three zones, he would be a great pick at ninth overall for the Buffalo Sabres.