Three top-six forwards the Sabres could draft
With the 11th NHL pick, Buffalo has options on offense.
As speculation continues to swirl around the upcoming NHL Draft and sportswriters and fans engage in numerous mock scenarios and armchair predictions, the Buffalo Sabres have choices to make. With the 11th pick in the first round, general manager Kevyn Adams and his staff have to decide what they need most.
The team could go the defensive route and draft a solid defenseman, but to according Elliotte Friedman, he thinks they’re really interested in another top-six forward. If Friedman’s information is correct, here are three available players Adams might pick, either trading up with other GMs or possibly staying at 11.
Konsta Helenius C
The 5’11’’ Finnish center combines high-end skills on offense with an unexpected puck strength. As a right-handed shot, Helenius scored five PP goals, won the majority of his face-offs (50.2%) and averaged 16:57 minutes of ice time in 51 games with Finnish hockey league Jukurit in Liiga.
Buffalo's weakness on scoring with the man advantage is a well-known, long-time problem. Drafting an athlete who can score on 5-on-4s is something the blue and gold desperately need to address. If Helenius can do that, it’s more than enough reason for the Sabres to select him.
One observer wrote he mixes New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes offensive ability with fellow New Jersey center Nico Hischier’s determination and competitiveness. It’s no surprise the Devils may want to add a player who would shore up their lines with another talented center. However, if Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is willing to make a deal in exchange for Helenius, Adams just might snag the accomplished forward.
Berkly Catton C
A 5’10’’ 175 lb. center, Canadian forward Berkly Catton has honed his hockey chops with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs, netting 54 goals and getting 62 assists in 68 games this past season. Catton has the skill set the Sabres need.
According to Elite Prospects 2024 NHL Draft Guide, Catton has a well-rounded arsenal of weapons in his hockey toolbox. He can make himself a shooting option off the pass or bait an opposing defenseman into a poke check before curling the puck around to beat a goalie at range.
Catton’s offensive proficiency will make him an asset for whichever NHL team drafts him. The Philadelphia Flyers, who are just behind Buffalo with the Draft's 12th pick, are possibly interested in Catton, believing he has the ability to be a first-line center. Former Sabre and current Flyers GM Danny Briere is in a rebuilding mode. If the Sabres don’t choose Catton, Philadelphia or some other rival franchise might.
Tij Iginla C
Fellow WHLer Tij Iginla plays a physical hockey game every time he steps on the ice. Talent scouts have noted Iginla steps into opponents space when they enter the boards to knock them off balance. He’s also fast, beating defenseman to the puck. When he can’t outrace them, he’ll trap their feet to the boards or time a perfectly executed stick lift.
The son of Hockey Hall of Fame forward Jarome Iginla, Tij is a potential solid pickup. Fans have complained that the Sabres don’t play a tough enough game, letting opponents push them around too much. Iginla won’t let anybody dominate him and his aggressive style of hockey would bring a much-needed change in that department.
Iginla combines his tough physicality with an offensive prowess, leading the Kewlona Rockets with 47 goals and was second with 84 total points. He’s also decent on power plays, netting 11 PP goals in 64 regular season matchups. Iginla enjoyed a 6-6-12 record in the postseason, helping Canada win a gold medal in the 2024 IIHF World under-18 Championship.
If the Sabres want a strong center who can score and check with equal ability, Tij Iginla is available.
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