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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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BASEL, SWITZERLAND – APRIL 30: Oliver Moore of United States in action during final of U18 Ice Hockey World Championship match between United States and Sweden at St. Jakob-Park at St. Jakob-Park on April 30, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – APRIL 30: Oliver Moore of United States in action during final of U18 Ice Hockey World Championship match between United States and Sweden at St. Jakob-Park at St. Jakob-Park on April 30, 2023 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

9 – Detroit Red Wings: Oliver Moore, C/USNT

The Detroit Red Wings are getting who may be the fastest skater in the draft, and one of the class’ best transition forwards. Every NHL team wants to draft a player with a high motor, and Moore’s just doesn’t stop.

10 – St. Louis Blues: Daniil But, RW/Loko Yaroslavl

I had Daniil But as one of many players the Buffalo Sabres could take in the 2023 Draft, but in this mock, he doesn’t make it past the St. Louis Blues. Overall, St. Louis is getting a potential-laden player who already boasts NHL-caliber size and upside.

11 – Vancouver Canucks: Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D/Skelleftea AIK

Axel Sandin-Pellikka is another player I’d have loved to have seen fall to the Sabres, but the offensive-defenseman will be too much for the Vancouver Canucks to pass on. Sandin-Pellikka should eventually develop into a sound talent on the power play.

12 – Arizona Coyotes: Matthew Wood, F/UConn

The Arizona Coyotes are getting a versatile player in Wood who is not only highly productive already, but he has yet to reach his ceiling. Yet another prospect with NHL-caliber size, Wood’s going to be a force when he fine-tunes his game with time.

13 – Buffalo Sabres: Dmitri Simashev, D/Loko Yaroslavl

I’ve talked a lot about Dmitri Simashev already, and the defenseman will fill an immediate need in the Buffalo Sabres system. At 6’4, 201, Simashev is going to be a hard hitter once he has the opportunity to put on even more size and strength.

Hot. 6 prospects Sabres met at the 2023 NHL Combine. light

Again, think of this mock draft as a starting point for a few more in the near-future. Over the next two weeks, we will have a better idea of who is going to land where, and we will adjust as needed.

Source: NHL Mock Draft 2023: Pronman, Wheeler and Bultman put on their GM hats, pick two rounds by Corey Pronman, Scott Wheeler, and Max Bultman, TheAthletic.com

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects, information provided by the NHL Draft Guide by Elite Prospects)

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