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

3 of 3

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 28: Zach Benson is selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the 13th overall pick during round one of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 28, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

173rd overall, Sean Keohane, D/Dexter Southfield

At this stage in the draft, raw talent boasting prototypical size is what you’re often after, and Sean Keohane fits the mold. I can see him working his way up the rung to at least become a high-end prospect and a solid insurance policy as a stay-at-home defenseman.

205th overall, Norwin Panocha, D/Eisbären Berlin

Once again, we’re looking at another pick with outstanding potential here. Norwin Panocha recorded 25 points in 21 games back in 2021-22 for Germany’s U17 league, and he followed up that performance with 22 points in 34 contests in DNL U18. It will be a long time before Panocha makes it to the NHL, but he could inevitably arrive as a sound offensive defenseman.

Related Story. Sabres: Who was the biggest draft-day steal in 2023?. light

Overall, I love what Kevyn Adams did here, snagging Savoie’s teammate in Benson, taking Wahlberg, and perhaps landing a huge steal in Miedama while adding much-needed size and blueliners to the prospects pool. For that, I’m giving him an A as an instant reaction grade to this draft.

(Statistics and draft information provided by the Elite Prospects Draft Guide and EliteProspects.com)

Home/Sabres News