Buffalo had 11 picks in 2022, including three first-rounders
Buffalo had 11 picks in 2022, including three first-rounders
The Buffalo Sabres are considered to have one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL. This is partially the benefit of selecting so high in recent drafts, but the club has also appears to have a keen eye for talent and has promising youngsters that they’ve selected in the lower rounds.
Here is a quick update on the players selected in 2022 not currently in the NHL:
Matthew Savoie – C - 9th overall
The Sabres top pick’s chances of making the NHL this season were derailed by an injury at the club’s prospect tournament in September. After missing a month on IR and a two-week conditioning stint in Rochester, Savoie made his NHL debut against Minnesota and played only five shifts, and sent him back to junior the next day.
Since returning to the WHL, Savoie has four goals in three games and will likely be headed to Sweden for the upcoming World Juniors.
Noah Ostlund – C – 16th overall
The 19-year-old Swede is playing full-time for Vaxjo in the SHL and is a shoo-in to make Team Sweden for the WJC next month. In 17 games, Ostlund has seven points (4 goals, 3 assists).
Jiri Kulich - C – 28th overall
Ironic that the last Sabres first-rounder might be the closest to making a splash in the NHL. After scoring 24 goals as a rookie and seven goals in the Calder Cup Playoffs, the 19-year-old is tied for second in the AHL in scoring with 10 goals. If Buffalo continues to have scoring issues, Kulich may get the call.
Topias Leinonen– G – 41st overall
The big 19-year-old Finn has been recovering from an injury since September but made his return at the under-20 level last week. Leinonen is expected to be one of the two goalies for Finland at the WJC next month.
Viktor Neuchev – LW – 74th overall
After playing a full season in the KHL with Ekaterinburg Automobilst, Neuchev came to North America and is playing with Rochester in a depth role. In nine games, the 20-year-old has one goal and two assists.
Part II on Monday
LATEST THN BUFFALO STORIES
Granato Concerned About Club's Compete Level
Takeaways From Loss To Winnipeg