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Do the Buffalo Sabres have the NHL’s strongest prospect pool?

By Sion Fawkes

Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) passes the puck past Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) passes the puck past Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (25) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – JANUARY 22: #7 Mats Lindgren of Canada goes out of the penalty bench 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/Basile Barbey/Getty Images) /

The Buffalo Sabres 2022 Draft Class

We know, and Ferrari confirmed, that the Sabres had one of the best, if not the best, draft classes this season. And while the Sabres did grab three centers to start things off, it is appropriate to mention that each center brings a different element to the game.

For example, Ostlund is known more for driving the play than his scoring. Something I pointed out earlier this month. He can spread the puck around and it is almost like he knows where each teammate will be on the ice a split-second before he makes the decision to pass the puck. While I was critical of the Ostlund pick, citing his lack of goal scoring, size, and strength, I will say he can create scoring opportunities.

And despite Ostlund’s shortcomings, it is where Savoie comes in, given his ability to find twine, sometimes even when a play looks hopeless. And despite his fast release and accurate shot, Savoie is known for his own passing skills, sometimes completing the improbable cross-body pass through a horde of opponents.

The most intriguing, high-risk, and sneakiest draft picks from the Buffalo Sabres draft class

If you caught some of the Buffalo Sabres development camp, you saw first-hand what Jiri Kulich can do. He is fast, and plays with a fearless edge, going as far as to call his own number in driving the puck from the defensive zone, through the neutral zone, and into the offensive zone. He also displays a fast shot and possesses a work ethic that will rival that of fellow Buffalo Sabre, Dylan Cozens.

Ferrari also praised Leinonen, especially the prospect’s athleticism, which is an amazing feat considering his size. And being so young, odds are, he is not done growing. Ferrari touched on Viktor Neuchev and Mats Lindgren, the former of whom brings a dominant game but could do a better job at spreading the puck around more.

They also referred to Lindgren as “the sneakiest pick.” I agree. If the kid can hone his defensive game, the Buffalo Sabres just selected a lethal two-way future NHL player. Maybe he won’t be mentioned in the same breath as Rasmus Dahlin or Owen Power, but he will evolve into a serviceable talent.

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