Buffalo Sabres forward prospect Brodie Ziemer, who's currently playing his junior season at the University of Minnesota, will represent the U.S. Collegiate Selects at the 2026 Spengler Cup, which is scheduled to take place from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31.
Ziemer, a former member of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, has represented the U.S. at several international tournaments in recent years. That includes scoring 13 points (four goals and nine assists) in 12 games for Team USA at the last two World Juniors events.
The 5-foot-11 winger is coming off a standout sophomore campaign with the Golden Gophers, which saw him post 36 points (23 goals and 13 helpers) in 36 appearances. He didn't find the score sheet in his first two outings for Minnesota in 2026-27.
Although there was some thought Ziemer would sign an entry-level contract with the Sabres after last season, the decision was ultimately made to play another year with the Gophers.
Buffalo will likely attempt to get the 20-year-old prospect signed as soon as the current campaign ends, though it holds his signing rights through June 1, 2028.
Ziemer has been particularity effective on the power play for Minnesota, highlighted by 11 goals with the man advantage in 2025-26. His ability to serve as a net-front presence on special teams boosts his chances of eventually reaching the NHL level. It's been an area of weakness for the Sabres.
Gaining some more high-pressure tournament experience at the Spengler Cup should help the Minnesota native on his journey toward Buffalo.
Brodie Ziemer's updated development timetable for the Sabres
Ziemer is a perfect fit for how Buffalo has molded its current youthful roster. His game doesn't have a ton of flash, but he's a hardworking winger who isn't afraid to battle in the corners and does most of his offensive damage by attacking the crease.
The Sabres are hoping he can at least maintain that point-per-game pace for Minnesota as a junior, while also cleaning up his play in the defensive zone.
Exactly how quickly he could potentially reach the NHL does depend heavily on him making those necessary strides this season but, barring a major drop off in performance, he's not a player who should require an extended stay with the AHL's Rochester Americans.
If Ziemer signs with Buffalo in the spring, and that's the most likely outcome at this stage, he'll probably skate a handful of games with the Amerks to close out the 2026-27 campaign.
From there, the presumable path would include a full year in Rochester, perhaps with a brief cup of coffee with the Sabres in 2027-28, before entering training camp in 2028 with at least a chance to earn a bottom-six role for the big club.
Ziemer will likely top out as a middle-six winger for the Blue and Gold, but his versatility and play style give him a high floor as a prospect. He'll find a way to provide value, even if he's a fourth-liner.
For now, he'll focus on trying to finish his college career on a high note.
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