Buffalo Sabres: Final mock draft featuring all 11 picks

Round #1

Pick #16: Kevin Korchinski, LHD/Seattle (WHL)

Many will criticize this selection, but Korchinksi is a can’t-miss prospect because of his two-way tendencies and near-NHL-ready size at 6’2, 185lb. He had 65 points (four goals) in 67 games last season, showing his ability to distribute the puck well and play offense.

He can be inconsistent at times and some have labeled him as an up and down prospect, which means he could potentially fall out of the first round. So why would the Buffalo Sabres pick him at 16? Because when Korchinski is playing well, he is the best player on the ice, hands down.

Hardly anyone in the class handles the puck better than Korchinski at the blue line. He is also agile and deceptive when in control of the puck. However, he does need to operate better under pressure, which often leads him to make erratic decisions with the puck.

Pick #28: Jimmy Snuggerud, F/USDP

A versatile player who also displays sensational NHL size at 6’2, 185lb, Snuggerud could see his name called earlier. With 63 points and 24 goals in 59 games, few in the 2022 NHL Draft have produced better than Snuggerud, whose father, Dave, was also a member of the Buffalo Sabres.

One of the more complete players in the draft thanks to improvements made on defense, Snuggerud also improved his offense, forcing opponents to account for him every time he skates into the offensive zone.

While he has developed into a two-way player, Snuggerud remains a bit of a work in progress, which is why I have him falling to 28th. But he is an elusive player who displays a versatile shot release and textbook skating mechanics.

Yes, he will need to develop more. But considering his steady improvement over the past season, Snuggerud will continue to steadily improve his game as he takes on older, more experienced prospects when he starts play at the University of Minnesota.