Buffalo Sabres post-NHL Draft 2023 Prospect Rankings
Now that the 2023 NHL Draft is in the books, it’s once again time to rank the Buffalo Sabres prospects. Is there a new number one in the pool?
During the 2023 postseason, I ranked the top 10 Buffalo Sabres prospects. However, there were a pair of names I neglected to add either because of the uncertainty regarding whether they would sign, or because of the sheer certainty that they would be in the NHL for all 82 games.
This time around, I added both names in to mix things up and to make the post-2023 NHL Draft version of these rankings even more interesting. So who took the #1 spot and who do I feel can be the fastest riser? Keep reading for more.
Ranking the Top 10 Buffalo Sabres prospects post NHL Draft
10 – Ryan Johnson
When I released my previous rankings, I was certain Ryan Johnson wasn’t signing. Since then, things have changed, and he gives the Buffalo Sabres more than a few glimmers of hope. Look for him to rise quickly.
9 – Filip Cederqvist
Filip Cederqvist won’t pull off many glamorous plays, but I noticed his motor was always running during the Calder Cup Playoffs. His energizing approach will give him a prominent role in Rochester this season, and the often overlooked Cederqvist will force more in the hockey community to take notice.
8 – Nikita Novikov
Nikita Novikov is an exciting, hard-hitting blueliner who, once adapted to the North American game, could rise through these rankings quickly. I’m expecting Novikov to use his intimidating size to kill plays and show flashes of his ability right off the bat.
7 – Tyson Kozak
Jack Quinn’s injury makes Tyson Kozak a darkhorse to open the season in the Buffalo Sabres lineup if the following occurs:
- Casey Mittelstadt takes Jack Quinn’s spot on the second line
- Peyton Krebs centers the third line
- Tyson Jost takes up the role as a fourth line winger/extra
This could open up the center spot on the fourth line. And Kozak could ultimately take advantage of the situation.
6 – Isak Rosen
Isak Rosen had it tough in the early-going last season, but he steadily came on stronger to become one of the better players on the Rochester Americans playoff run in seemingly every phase of the game. If Rosen’s strong play continues, he could find himself playing in an NHL game or two this season.
5 – Matt Savoie
Matt Savoie will probably see time on the Buffalo Sabres roster simply so he can play a few games in the AHL before heading to the IIHF World Juniors, and finally, reuniting with Zach Benson on the Wenatchee Wild (formerly Winnipeg Ice). He saw a pair of games with the Rochester Americans, but his play made it clear he has got to get stronger.
4 – Zach Benson
Comparing Zach Benson to his teammate, Matt Savoie, the former was often seen as the more prominent of the two unless you count the latter’s remarkable playoff run. Benson just needs to add some size and strength, and he will translate smoothly to the NHL game.
3 – Jiri Kulich
Jiri Kulich could end up seeing extended time on the Buffalo Sabres roster with Jack Quinn going down with an Achilles injury. However, he will have to beat out the older, more experienced prospect in Lukas Rousek. Speaking of which…
2 – Lukas Rousek
Lukas Rousek suited up for a pair of NHL games last season, and he looked good in both appearances. With Jack Quinn out, it opens up a roster spot and Rousek should be the frontrunner to take the job if the Sabres trade Victor Olofsson.
1 – Devon Levi
I hesitated to list Devon Levi as a prospect and I didn’t list him as one in my previous piece since he’s all but guaranteed a spot on the Buffalo Sabres. Still though, with a limited sample size in the NHL and as mentioned, to add more variety to these rankings, I decided to list him here. But barring some unforeseen setback, Levi won’t be on the prospect list much longer.
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So, you may’ve noticed one big name missing: Noah Ostlund. He fell from the prospects rankings simply because I feel he’s behind the others like Rousek, Benson, Kulich, Savoie, Rosen, etc in terms of overall readiness. Further players like Tyson Kozak and Filip Cederqvist bring a different skill set Buffalo could use that Ostlund won’t offer, and that gives them an edge.