Top 5 forwards the Buffalo Sabres must consider at 13th overall in 2023
By Sion Fawkes
![WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 08: Matthew Savoie #93 of the Winnipeg ICE celebrates his goal with teammates Zach Benson #9 and Ty Nash #34 during third period action against the Portland Winterhawks at Wayne Fleming Arena on January 08, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images) WINNIPEG, CANADA - JANUARY 08: Matthew Savoie #93 of the Winnipeg ICE celebrates his goal with teammates Zach Benson #9 and Ty Nash #34 during third period action against the Portland Winterhawks at Wayne Fleming Arena on January 08, 2023 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/345b7782491c739b4c80cdf571dbc60c3b48e25670abc34a6672032520347849.jpg)
5 – Daniil But, Loko Yaroslavl
Daniil But is ranked just under Honzek in Wheeler’s rankings, and once again, we’re looking at a forward with incredible size (6’5, 203 lb). But saw just 15 games at the KHL level, but that number will increase in 2023-24.
His skating is good, but it can still improve, and given his size, he has power forward potential. Though for the time being, But’s 32 points in 32 games at the MHL level shows us that he too is a playmaker.
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Realistically, I’m expecting the Buffalo Sabres to most likely go with either Musty or Sale, if I had to pick a couple of players from this list. Though as mentioned earlier, if Benson drops, they’re taking him. Honzek and But could be considered reaches, but if Kevyn Adams believes they’re better fits than everyone else left on the board, then by all means, take one of them.
Source: 2023 NHL Draft ranking: Scott Wheeler’s top 100 is divided into six tiers, TheAthletic.com
(Statistics and prospect information provided by the 2023 Elite Prospects Draft Guide)