Grading the Buffalo Sabres 2023 draft class (best pick, biggest steal)

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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 29: Gavin Mccarthy talks with head coach Don Granato after being selected 86th overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft – Rounds 2-7 at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

86th overall, Gavin McCarthy, D/Muskegon Lumberjacks

If you were worried about the lack of right-handed defensemen in the system, then Gavin McCarthy should help curtail some of those worries. McCarthy is also a big hitter, and physicality is definitely something the Buffalo Sabres can use at every level of their prospects pool.

109th overall, Ethan Miedema, LW/Kingston Frontenacs

If you were still concerned about the lack of size in the Sabres prospect pool, then not only Wahlberg, but Ethan Miedema should also put you at ease. The kid is 6’4, 207 lb, and while he still needs to learn how to better utilize his size, his raw ability and scoring ability could make him yet another steal for Kevyn Adams.

141st overall, Scott Ratzlaff, G/Seattle Thunderbirds

Okay, okay, I can already hear some critics writing off Scott Ratzlaff because of his small size – 6’0, 174 lb. But the kid’s been great over the past two seasons, especially in 2022-23, when he logged a GAA of just 2.15, five shutouts, and a 0.918 save percentage. Sure, the Thunderbirds were a great team, but Ratzlaff constantly held up his end of the deal.

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