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Buffalo Sabres: But, Honzek would bring size, competitiveness

By Sion Fawkes

MONCTON, NB - DECEMBER 28: Samuel Honzek # 19 of Team Slovakia Shoots the puck on goaltender Kaidan Mbereko # 30 of Team USA during the first period of their game during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Avenir Centre on December 28, 2022 in Moncton, Canada. (Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images)
MONCTON, NB - DECEMBER 28: Samuel Honzek # 19 of Team Slovakia Shoots the puck on goaltender Kaidan Mbereko # 30 of Team USA during the first period of their game during the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship at Avenir Centre on December 28, 2022 in Moncton, Canada. (Photo by Dale Preston/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 NHL Entry Draft is approaching, and the Buffalo Sabres will be on the clock when the 13th overall pick rolls around if they keep it. 

With just under three weeks to go before the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, there are mock drafts galore telling us who the Buffalo Sabres may roll with on draft day. Earlier in the process, we’ve talked about Zach Benson, Matthew Wood, and Gabriel Perreault, among others, but there are two prospects whose size and competitive drive stand out perhaps more than any other: Daniil But of Yaoslavl Jr. in Russia, and Samuel Honzek of the WHL’s Vancouver Giants.

Let’s start with But, whose 6’5, 203 lb frame stands out more than anything else. The son of former New Jersey Devils fifth-round pick Anton But, Daniil is brimming with potential, having posted 26 points, 15 goals, and 11 assists in 26 contests with the MHL’s Loko Yaroslavl, plus an additional nine points, four goals, and five assists in seven postseason contests.

A physical player, But would use his immense size to his advantage when in possession of the puck. His current contract runs through 2024-25.

But, Honzek would bring immense size to Buffalo Sabres prospect pool

Honzek is slightly shorter than But, standing at 6’4″. He also needs to grow more into his frame as he clocks in at just 185 lb, but that will come with time. The 18-year-old is also playing in the WHL, so he won’t be eligible for the AHL until he turns 20.

Numbers-wise, Honzek put up 56 points, 23 goals, and 33 assists in just 43 games, averaging 1.3 points per game. He also tacked on another four (1 + 3) in four playoff games. How impressive are the above numbers? When you consider the fact 2022-23 was his first season in North America, it indicates just how well Honzek can adapt to different styles of the game.

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Overall, But and Honzek are two prospects the Buffalo Sabres should seriously consider if they’re looking for a decent blend of size and a competitive edge. Both players display those traits, and they are potential-laden selections that Buffalo can realistically land with the 13th pick if they feel one of the two is the best on their draft board.

Source: Potential fits for the Sabres with the 13th pick in NHL draft by Lance Lysowski, BuffaloNews.com

(Statistics provided by Elite-Prospects)

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