In each of the past five NHL Drafts, the Buffalo Sabres have drafted at least eight players in each draft class. This most recent one was no different, with nine players selected, starting with Radim Mrtka with the ninth overall pick.
Looking ahead to 2026, right now it looks very similar to what the Sabres had just a few months ago. The Sabres currently have eight draft picks, but are missing a pick in the second round. That pick was sent to the Ottawa Senators as part of the Dylan Cozens trade.
However, they still have each of their own picks in the other rounds, as well as an extra fourth and an extra sixth round pick. The fourth round pick is the Edmonton Oilers' pick that round, as the Boston Bruins had it and traded it to the Sabres in return for Henri Jokiharju.
The sixth round pick is from the Chicago Blackhawks when they acquired Sam Lafferty from the Sabres.
There is going to be plenty of excitement ahead for the 2026 NHL Draft as Gavin McKenna is expected to be the first overall pick and a generational talent. If the Sabres struggle and find themselves in the lottery but don't win the first overall pick, the extra draft picks can help them move up if that is the route they want to go.
However, whoever does have the first overall pick is unlikely to move off that pick unless a team significantly overpays but it might be worth it to the Buffalo Sabres if they struggle again this upcoming season.
Buffalo Sabres still have all their picks in the two drafts past 2026
As it stands right now, the Buffalo Sabres also have not traded away or acquired any draft picks in the 2027 or 2028 NHL Draft. That will almost certainly change between now and then but does give them some flexibility.