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Buffalo Sabres: 4 most intriguing prospects in the system

By Sion Fawkes

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: Lukas Rousek after being selected 160th overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: Lukas Rousek after being selected 160th overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Light/Getty Images) /
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FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – MARCH 30: The American International Yellow Jackets and the Denver Pioneers line up for the singing of the American national anthem before the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey West Regional Championship Final at Scheels Arena on March 30, 2019 in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – MARCH 30: The American International Yellow Jackets and the Denver Pioneers line up for the singing of the American national anthem before the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey West Regional Championship Final at Scheels Arena on March 30, 2019 in Fargo, North Dakota. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Matteo Costantini, NCAA/North Dakota

Costantini just completed his first season at the University of North Dakota, logging 21 points in 35 games. One reason I have him on this list as my most intriguing NCAA prospect is that he turned heads in Buffalo Sabres development camp and he proved last season that he is among the system’s most versatile players.

Costantini, who will turn 20 on August 16th, displays decent size for his age at 6’1, 187lb, with the ability to pack on a few more pounds of muscle this season. When he arrived at North Dakota last year, the center showed off his versatility when he bumped out to left wing given the number of centers already in the lineup.

His coach at North Dakota, Brad Berry, praised Costantini for the forward’s ability to adjust quickly and willingly step into his role. And now that he has one season of college hockey under him, look for Costantini to break out in 2022-23, regardless if he is playing center or winger.

Of course, most eyes will remain on the likes of Devon Levi, Erik Portillo, and Ryan Johnson. But if there is one second-tier NCAA prospect to watch this year, it is Costantini, with Aaron Huglen receiving an honorable mention.

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