Buffalo Sabres score high grade for Day 2 of 2022 NHL Draft
By Sion Fawkes
The Buffalo Sabres made a few questionable picks, but overall, they nailed Day 2 of the 2022 NHL Draft. Let’s break down their most dynamic moves.
The Buffalo Sabres went the potential route on Day 2. And while there were a few things they could have done differently, it was, overall, a successful Friday for the organization who loaded up their prospect pool at forward.
Their second round pick alone made it a good day. And even if the Sabres botched the rest of their draft picks, they would have at least earned a passing grade because they drafted Topias Leinonen. But intriguing selections like Mats Lindgren, Jake Richard, and Linus Sjodin made Day 2 of the draft an easy A. It’s going to be very exciting to watch these prospects develop.
Good Move: The Buffalo Sabres score a high grade for adding depth at forward
On Day One, the Buffalo Sabres added three forwards, all of whom were listed as centers, per NHL.com. Then they took five more forwards in rounds three through seven. It started with another intriguing prospect in Viktor Neuchev, who ranked 34th among European skaters per NHL Central Scouting.
Jake Richard is one to watch, though, given his age and production. One of the youngest prospects in yesterday’s draft, Richard’s 48 points, 18 goals, and 30 assists with the Muskegon Lumberjacks shows his game is already solid and there may not have been a better value pick anywhere else in this latest prospect pool.
Overall, the Sabres drafted enough forwards in this draft for at least a couple of them to contend for a spot on the main roster in a few years. Don’t expect anything in the near-future, but keep a special eye on Neuchev and Richard.