As the NHL Draft is getting underway, the Sabres are looking at several options and positions. They seem, though, to already be content with one position group.
The Sabres general manager, Jarmo Kekäläinen, expects the newly traded-for defenseman, Olen Zellweger and Louis Crevier, to compete alongside stable defenseman Owen Power. Alongside established starters Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson, it seems these five will make up the core of helping clean up the trash around the goal.
Being content as they enter the second day of the NHL Draft is a good place to be. But being content and confident may raise some questions. Dahlin and Samuelsson were top defensemen in the league a season ago, but does that mean those behind them are ready to step up?
The loss of Bowen Byram raises eyebrows, and is Owen Power ready to step up and be the third best behind the two starters? The 23-year-old Power had more blocks than Byram a season ago, but he did have fewer points, though. Which priority is more important as the Sabres move forward?
If the Sabres are content with the moves they made, having Power play alongside both new defensemen, why would they choose to draft a defenseman fourth overall? It may seem they would be looking to move up the fourth-overall pick to a roster spot this season.
The Buffalo Sabres core at defense are all under the age of 27
They do have a youth movement at the position. Will that translate to speed at the position? Dahlin emerged as a proven leader, but having a veteran on defense could be important as the season wears on.
Kekäläinen has demonstrated he is willing to make deals. During the remainder of the draft or following, could he look to bring in a veteran defenseman? It would be a shock if he made a move.
Caleb Jones is currently a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins and only has one year remaining on his contract. He could be an option to bring in via trade for one season to help mold the younger defenders. He is only 29 years old, but those few years could make a difference.
The Sabres do have other holes to fill on the roster they will look to address on the second day of the draft. But they may still look to add more depth at the ever important defenseman position in the days following.
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