The Buffalo Sabres drafted some players they met with at the 2022 NHL Combine, so they will likely head in the same direction for 2023.
The Buffalo Sabres have made it clear that they are interested in picking players who they meet with at the NHL Combine. Therefore, there were six prominent prospects who could wind up going in the top 15 that they spent time getting to know over the past week, and of them will likely find themselves in the system when the Sabres make their pick at 13th overall.
Who did Buffalo meet with and who can you expect to don a blue and gold jersey on draft day? Keep reading for more.
6 prominent prospects the Buffalo Sabres met at 2023 combine
Matthew Wood, RW
I’ve been highly impressed with winger Matthew Wood thanks to his size and productivity. At 6’3, 190 lb, Wood is an outlier to many prospects from a size standpoint and he will likely continue to grow into his frame for the next few years.
An outstanding shooter, Wood put up 45 goals for the BCHL’s Victoria Grizzlies in 2021-22. He also put up respectable numbers with the University of Connecticut this past season with 34 points in 35 contests, along with seven goals and 13 points in seven games at the WJC-18.
David Reinbacher, RHD
Many see David Reinbacher as the best defenseman in this draft class, and it’s tough to see him falling to the Buffalo Sabres. Nonetheless, he was worth getting to know better in the event he slides down the boards.
At 6’2, 187 lb, Reinbacher’s size is trending in the right direction, and he will get bigger in time. Following his first season in NL for EHC Kloten, he logged 22 points and three goals in 46 contests to go with a sound defensive game, especially when he’s in the neutral zone.