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2023 NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Buffalo Sabres get it right with this forward

By Sion Fawkes

OSHAWA, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 07: Ryan Gagnier #67 of the Oshawa Generals battles for the puck with Quentin Musty #27 of the Sudbury Wolves during the first period at Tribute Communities Centre on November 07, 2021 in Oshawa, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)
OSHAWA, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 07: Ryan Gagnier #67 of the Oshawa Generals battles for the puck with Quentin Musty #27 of the Sudbury Wolves during the first period at Tribute Communities Centre on November 07, 2021 in Oshawa, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images) /
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With the 2023 NHL Draft coming our way in just nine days, it’s time for another mock. This time, the Buffalo Sabres roll with a remarkable forward.

In Mock Draft 1.0, I had the Buffalo Sabres taking Dmitri Simashev, one of the draft’s better blueliners who I had written extensively about. This time around, however, the Sabres are going with a forward with the 13th pick. And you might like who I have slated falling to them at 13th overall.

Before I dive in, I want to state that the theme of this week’s mock draft highlights overall strengths and weaknesses for most prospects based on their 2022-23 analytics and their productivity. Alright, so who did the Sabres end up with at 13? Keep reading to find out.

TAMPERE, FINLAND – MAY 28: Adam Fantilli of Canada with gold medal during the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Finland – Latvia game between Canada and Germany at Nokia Arena on May 28, 2023 in Tampere, Finland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
TAMPERE, FINLAND – MAY 28: Adam Fantilli of Canada with gold medal during the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Finland – Latvia game between Canada and Germany at Nokia Arena on May 28, 2023 in Tampere, Finland. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

2023 Mock Draft 2.0: Buffalo Sabres select…

1 – Chicago Blackhawks, Connor Bedard, C/Regina

Previous Selection: Connor Bedard

There isn’t a single mock draft out there that I’m aware of with Connor Bedard going elsewhere. He will step in and immediately start changing the scope of the Chicago Blackhawks franchise a few months from today.

2 – Anaheim Ducks, Adam Fantilli, C/Michigan

Previous Selection: Adam Fantilli

Size and offensive play are two aspects of Adam Fantilli’s game that will help kickstart the Anaheim Ducks rebuild. Transition can use some work, but other than that, you can expect Fantilli to be the eventual face of the Ducks franchise.

3 – Columbus Blue Jackets, Leo Carlsson, C/Orebro

Previous Selection: Leo Carlsson

I want to say Matvei Michkov, but the red flags are just too much at this point. Instead, the Columbus Blue Jackets will settle for a safer pick in Leo Carlsson, whose size (6’2, 194 lb) and ability to play center or winger should entice fans the second Columbus calls his name.

4 – San Jose Sharks, Zach Benson, LW/Winnipeg Ice

Previous Selection: Matvei Michkov

Zach Benson is a smaller prospect who I would be surprised to see in the NHL until he packs more size onto his 5’10, 159 lb frame. Despite the size drawback, Benson is proficient in every phase of the game, and he will only get better over the next two seasons.

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