Team-by-Team NHL Mock Draft: Sabres land an epic puzzle piece at the blue line

Columbus Blue Jackets: Artyom Levshunov, D/MIchigan State

I knew that Artyom Levshunov wouldn’t slip too far past the No. 3 pick, and the Columbus Blue Jackets didn’t disappoint. If there is one organization that deserves a projected top-three pick to fall on draft day, it’s Columbus, and, hopefully, we see him enjoy the same success that forward Adam Fantilli saw in his rookie season before his injury. 

Montreal Canadiens: Anton Silayev, D/Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod

Surprising pick here, as the Canadiens will likely roll with a forward when it’s their time to pick. But still, some prospects are just tough to pass up, and Anton Silayev has 68 games of KHL experience when you factor in the postseason. And he also looked like he belonged, so go figure. 

Utah Hockey Club: Zayne Parekh, D/Saginaw Spirit

This pick will serve as a monumental moment, as Zayne Parekh would be the first selection in the history of the Utah Hockey Club should it occur in real life. And Parekh should excite the fans in Salt Lake City, as he is a high-scoring, high-octane blueliner who is perfect for Utah’s prospects pool. 

Ottawa Senators: Berkly Catton, C/Spokane Chiefs

I wouldn’t be surprised if Berkly Catton went earlier on draft day, but one of my preferred picks for the Sabres wasn’t lasting long in this simulation. The high-scoring, playmaking forward alone would revitalize the Senators prospects pool if he fell to No. 7 on June 28th, and if he has another good season in Spokane, I wouldn’t be surprised if he at least got a trial run at the end of the season.