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2023 NHL Mock Draft 1.0: Buffalo Sabres land best available

By Sion Fawkes

WINNIPEG, CANADA - FEBRUARY 01: Connor McClennon #94 of the Winnipeg ICE celebrates his goal with teammates Zach Benson #9 and Matthew Savoie #93 during second period action against the Saskatoon Blades at Wayne Fleming Arena on February 01, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, CANADA - FEBRUARY 01: Connor McClennon #94 of the Winnipeg ICE celebrates his goal with teammates Zach Benson #9 and Matthew Savoie #93 during second period action against the Saskatoon Blades at Wayne Fleming Arena on February 01, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images) /
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The Buffalo Sabres hold the 13th overall pick and they are in prime position to land a top ten talent if they freefall down the draft boards. 

The 2023 NHL Draft is roughly two-and-a-half weeks away, and a lot will change between then and now over where each prospect will be rumored to land. But we need to start somewhere, so think of this mock draft featuring the first 13 picks as a rough starting point.

But if the dominoes fall as followed, who will the Buffalo Sabres end up taking with the 13th pick in my NHL Mock Draft 1.0? Keep reading for more.

LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
LANGLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JANUARY 25: Forward Connor Bedard #98 of the Regina Pats skates for Team Red during the 2023 Kubota CHL Top Prospects Game Practice at the Langley Events Centre on January 25, 2023 in Langley, British Columbia. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /

2023 NHL Mock 1.0: Buffalo Sabres land…

1 – Chicago Blackhawks: Connor Bedard, C/Regina

Everyone knows what the Chicago Blackhawks are doing, so it will be no surprise when they roll with Connor Bedard with their first overall pick. Barring something completely unforeseen in the next two-and-a-half weeks, the Blackhawks will have their next franchise player to build around.

2 – Anaheim Ducks: Adam Fantilli, C/Michigan

The Anaheim Ducks are another team that needs to draft a game-changer to excite fans, and Adam Fantilli is that player. Per Elite Prospects, he boasts ideal size at 6’2, 187 lb, and his offensive production is nothing short of remarkable, with 65 points and 30 goals in 36 regular season games last season.

3 – Columbus Blue Jackets: Leo Carlsson, F/Orebro HK

Standing at 6’3, 194 lb, Leo Carlsson’s size is the first thing you will notice about him. Having played for two seasons in the SHL, Carlsson has only gotten better, having scored 25 points in 44 contests, and he carried that productivity over into international play.

4 – San Jose Sharks: Matvei Michkov, RW/SKA

Perhaps the most polarizing prospect on the draft board this season, Matvei Michkov could be the biggest boom-or-bust pick in the top ten. While he’s a remarkable talent, his KHL contract could scare some teams off, but the rebuilding San Jose Sharks are acquiring the rights of a potential game-changer if they can eventually convince him to come to North America.

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