The Buffalo Sabres snagged three picks in the first round of the NHL Draft. So where will they end up for the 2022-23 season?
Matthew Savoie, Noah Ostlund, and Jiri Kulich surprised everyone when they signed their entry-level contracts a mere week after they were selected at ninth, 16th, and 28th overall, respectively. Some high-end prospects, like Erik Portillo, Devon Levi, and Ryan Johnson, remain unsigned, but it was clear this golden trio insisted on showing fans they wanted to be Buffalo Sabres.
So, what does this mean for Savoie, Ostlund, and Kulich? Is a move to North American imminent for the latter two? And does this mean Savoie will indeed wind up playing in the AHL or NHL this upcoming season?
It is easy for expectations to get out of control any time top draft picks sign so soon. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Here is where each of the Buffalo Sabres first round picks will play next season.
Where each of the Buffalo Sabres first round picks will play in 2022-23 – Matthew Savoie, ninth overall
Savoie was the only prospect from this golden trio who did not take part in camp because of a lingering shoulder injury. However, he was in attendance for all four days last week and participated in off-ice activities.
In 2020-21, Savoie had a good season in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints before he broke out in the WHL last season with 90 goals in 65 games. This year, expect Savoie to return to the WHL for one final stint before he sneaks his way into the Buffalo Sabres organization next season.
If Savoie cannot find his way onto the NHL lineup in 2023-24, expect him to return to the WHL since he cannot play in the AHL until he turns 20. This comes because of an agreement between the AHL and CHL teams stating CHL players cannot jump ship to the AHL until they reach 20 years of age.