Major outlet outlines Buffalo Sabres most pressing draft need
By Sion Fawkes
We know the Buffalo Sabres could do well to stock up on defensemen and goaltenders in the 2023 NHL Draft. But they may have a bigger need.
Ask any Buffalo Sabres fan what position the Blue and Gold need to address the most, and you will likely hear blueliner or goaltender. But Corey Pronman of The Athletic says differently, citing “size at forward” as the most pressing need heading into Wednesday’s draft.
What was Pronman’s justification? Check out the snippet below.
"“The Sabres have picked eight forwards in the top two rounds in the past three drafts, and all of them have been 6-1 or shorter. History suggests you can win with a few of those guys in your lineup, but unlikely with nine of them.” – via The Athletic"
Pronman makes a good point, and there are more than a few forwards the Sabres can choose to take in the first round on Wednesday who have the potential to boast incredible size once they’re NHL-ready. Matthew Wood, the 6’4, 193 lb is the first prospect to jump out at me, along with Quentin Musty, Daniil But, Samuel Honzek, and Eduard Sale.
Of course, not all of the above players have even remotely grown into their respective frames, but being 6’2 and above at such a young age, they will all add much-needed muscle over the next few years, so the fact that some of them are ultra-thin at the moment shouldn’t faze you.
All signs pointing to the Buffalo Sabres snagging Musty?
When someone like Pronman states the Sabres need a potential power forward in this year’s draft, despite the pressing need for defense, it further raises the bell that Quentin Musty could be the perfect fit for the Blue and Gold come Wednesday. One of the youngest prospects in the class, Musty has potential to grow another three inches and pack on another 25-30 lb before he’s even ready to take the NHL ice.
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One thing is for sure regarding Musty-the Hamburg native will bring more than a fair share of interest, from his days at the junior level until he finally makes a long-awaited NHL debut. And if he can do this in Buffalo, it will make for quite the story.
Source: Each NHL team’s biggest need at the 2023 NHL Draft: Position, size, and skill by Corey Pronman, TheAthletic.com