Buffalo Sabres: Final mock draft featuring all 11 picks

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LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 22: #12 Jani Nyman of Finland battles for the puck with #8 Tristan Luneau of Canada during Men’s 6-Team Tournament Bronze Medal Game between Canada and Finland of the Lausanne 2020 Winter Youth Olympics on January 22, 2020 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Robert Hradil/Getty Images) /

Round #2

Pick #41: Tristan Luneau, RHD/Gatineau (QMJHL)

Size is definitely a common theme here, with the 6’2, 174lb Luneau continuing that trend into Round 2. Though he could add another 20lb to his frame, that size will come in time.

Knee surgery definitely will have something to do with Luneau’s fall out of the first round. However, the RHD would be a steal here, considering his ability to play a two-way game. That said, Luneau won’t last beyond the 41st pick.

He possesses a high hockey IQ and he always seems to know where the puck is. Therefore, Luneau is where he needs to be to disrupt a play. He is also good in transition and creating space for himself when in the offensive zone, often hanging around the middle of the ice, waiting for a teammate to deliver him the puck so he can take a shot or extend a play.

He is good on offense, but elite on defense, so it wouldn’t be surprising if someone did take a chance on him in the first. Luneau’s ability to keep plays in front of him given his on-ice awareness, forcing opposing forwards to change position, and completely disrupting their timing, further defines his game. If his offensive tendencies continue to improve, he will develop into a top four defenseman.

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