Buffalo Sabres 2022 Draft: Weaknesses for each draft pick
By Sion Fawkes
There is no such thing as a perfect prospect. And the Buffalo Sabres 2022 NHL Draft class is no exception. Let’s discuss each pick’s weaknesses.
In previous articles, I went over many of the strengths regarding each of the 11 draft picks from the Buffalo Sabres 2022 draft. But I did not really touch on the weaknesses surrounding each new member of the prospect pool.
Therefore, today’s article will be all about developmental opportunities for each selection, ranging from Matthew Savoie to Linus Sjodin. Some weaknesses for the new prospects are easily correctable, while others are out of their control. Some may even make or break their potential NHL careers.
So what are these weaknesses? Let’s talk about them, beginning with one particular weakness ninth overall pick Matthew Savoie has hardly any control over.
One weakness for each Buffalo Sabres pick: Matthew Savoie, C/9th overall
Size is what ultimately dropped Savoie to the ninth overall selection. Questions will remain whether the 5’9, 179lb Savoie can really play center at the NHL level. If he cannot play a sound defensive game at the position, odds are the Buffalo Sabres will kick him to winger.
But it won’t take away from Savoie’s projection as a future member of one of the top two lines. And if the Buffalo Sabres need to kick him outside to winger, don’t expect draft pundits to rank this pick with any lesser value five years from today.
Next to Savoie’s lack of size, he was one of the 2022 NHL Draft’s most accomplished prospects. So much, that the only real nit left to pick is that his game is not yet developed for the NHL level. But you can expect him to join the main roster in a season or two.