3 – Matt Savoie, Winnipeg Ice
The ninth overall pick in 2022, Savoie, like Rosen, is a smaller player. While many in the Buffalo Sabres faithful are concerned that Savoie didn’t make a leap production-wise in the WHL this season, he is still on pace to put up monster numbers – 84 points in 64 games at the time of this writing.
He already has shooting accuracy required for the NHL, and his quick game will fit right in with Buffalo when he gets opportunity. Savoie can also calmly turn nothing into something with the puck, finding sound passing lanes to extend plays when in the offensive zone. This trait is huge for a Sabres team that, at times, can get a little reckless with the puck.
2 – Devon Levi, Northeastern
Many will rank Levi #1, but he is at least one year away from seeing regular ice time for the Buffalo Sabres. Goaltenders naturally take longer to develop, and Levi will experience the same growing pains as even the best goaltenders in league history.
But with his legendary college career and the way he excelled in each of his stops preceding his time at Northeastern, it’s easy to get excited over Levi. He will be at the absolute least, a solid NHL goaltender. But let’s make sure he’s properly developed so he can form a remarkable one-two punch with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.