The Buffalo Sabres had a draft day haul that featured one proven prospect and two with high upside who can take their skills up a notch.
The Buffalo Sabres had three selections with a lot of upside, but two of them I saw as potential projects. Of course, high upside, high potential picks can be the ultimate boom or bust, so general manager Kevyn Adams took a couple of risks in the first round.
However, if all three picks pan out, then we will look fondly back at the 2022 NHL Draft and how Adams and company added three franchise players to the organization. That is the preferred situation. But as for immediate reactions to the first round, let’s approach them with cautious optimism.
Either way, the Sabres did enough to eek out a passing grade in this one. Here is an in-depth look at why they passed the initial eye test, and if I had to give them a star grade, it would be 3.5 out of five stars. As for a letter grade, they get a solid B.
Good move for the Buffalo Sabres – Waiting for Kulich
Jiri Kulich, from a productivity standpoint, had an up and down 2021-22 season. His first year in Czechia’s pro league wasn’t great, but it also wasn’t bad. He did, however, take over games in the World U18 Tournament, scoring nine goals in six games, putting up MVP-like performances game after game.
But Kulich remains a project, and one that will continue over in Europe for at least another season, but possibly two. And sitting with the 28th overall pick in last night’s draft, it was clear Adams thought the forward’s upside was just too good to pass up.
I was glad to see Adams stand pat and wait for Kulich, ranked 23rd in TCB’s 2022 NHL Draft Guide, to fall into his lap. He didn’t panic and trade up, which makes Kulich an incredible value pick even if his NHL career doesn’t pan out.