The Buffalo Sabres have found success in recent years by targeting hardworking wingers, namely 2023 first-round pick Zach Benson and trade acquisition Josh Doan. It's a trend they'll probably attempt to continue in the 2026 NHL Draft.
So, it makes sense Eric Cruikshank of The Hockey News projected the Sabres to select Windsor Spitfires winger Ethan Belchetz with the No. 5 overall pick in his latest NHL mock draft.
"Belchetz's rare blend of size, skill and improved play along the walls makes him the perfect long-term fit for a top-line role with the Sabres," Cruikshank wrote. "Belchetz has one of the highest ceilings of any prospect in this class and could become more than just a complementary piece for this group."
The 6-foot-5, 226-pound forward has recorded 29 points (17 goals and 12 assists) in 25 OHL games so far this season. It already matches his goal total from 56 appearances with Windsor in 2024-25.
Buffalo Sabres and Ethan Belchetz could be a perfect match in the 2026 NHL Draft
The Sabres have a promising outlook on defense with Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Michael Kesselring, a remarkably resurgent Mattias Samuelsson and current top prospect Radim Mrtka.
Buffalo is still on the hunt for a few more true game-changing forwards, though.
The Blue and Gold do feature several promising pieces in the system up front, led by Konsta Helenius, Anton Wahlberg and Brodie Ziemer. Noah Ostlund and Isak Rosen have also acclimated themselves well to the NHL during their opportunities with the big club this season.
None of those players project as elite first-line, high-scoring performers, however. They are more on a path toward becoming reliable middle-six options.
It leaves the Sabres with a glaring need to support superstar Tage Thompson atop the lineup, especially if Alex Tuch leaves via trade or free agency and Josh Norris is unable to shake his injury problems.
Belchetz has shown significant improvement in all three zones during the early stages of his second OHL campaign. He's starting to leverage his frame a lot better, especially in the most dangerous areas of the ice offensively, and he's become more dependable in the defensive end.
It's caused the 17-year-old Canadian to start rapidly climbing draft boards because the emerging skill combined with his intriguing frame gives him the tools to emerge as a top-tier prospect.
Belchetz recently told Mike Koreen of Sportsnet his offseason decision to shed some weight in order to improve his skating is already paying off.
"That was kind of my main goal. Losing some weight, putting on some more muscle, and leaning out a little bit has helped my agility and speed on the ice,” Belchetz said. I think that has been huge going into the year, having that extra step. It makes life a whole lot easier” when you're moving a little bit faster on the ice."
The rising star noted he attempts to model his game after the Ottawa Senators' Brady Tkachuk.
"Big guy, big power forward who really uses his size," Belchetz said. "I think his A game is when he's battling hard and hitting a lot and creates so much offense."
Of course, the Sabres would prefer to surge up the standings and break their miserable 14-year playoff drought, which would likely take them out of contention for Belchetz, a virtual top-10 lock if he maintains his current trajectory for the remainder of the campaign.
If Buffalo does end up near the bottom of the NHL standings once again, however, it'll likely be linked to the towering winger quite often leading up to next year's draft.