Buffalo Sabres post-NHL Draft 2023 Prospect Rankings
By Sion Fawkes
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.