Gabrielor
"Win with us or watch us win." - Rasmus Dahlin
*Note* Not a mock draft, a top-30 of the best players available to the Sabres. Post yours.
Edit: Now with Notes!
1 Sam Reinhart C (WHL) R 6' 1" 185
Notes: For me, Reinhart and Bennett are neck and neck. With that said, I've felt all along Reinhart has a slight edge, based mainly on 3 ppg years in the CHL.
2 Sam Bennett C (OHL) L 6' 0.25" 178
Note: My favorite player in the draft. Complete package of speed and skill. Worried about durability further down the road with his style, but he'll be an exciting player to watch. I have him ahead of Ekblad soley based on Sabres need.
3 Aaron Ekblad D (OHL) R 6' 3.5" 216
Note: He doesn't jump out at me the way Jones did last year. I see him as a very, very good defensemen, but not enough to justify taking him over either Sam.
4 Leon Draisaitl C (WHL) L 6' 1.75" 208
Note: Best non-Sam center. As mentioned by others, I do see some Grigorenko in his on-ice motion, but he seems more assertive in board battles then Grigs. I don't expect to see him as a Sabre.
5 Nikolai Ehlers LW (MJAHL) L 5' 11.5" 170
Note: It's close, but of the next 3 guys, Ehlers is the one I think would have a fall-back game if he wasn't producing. I expect him to be a very fast goal scoring threat. That being said, I could also see him as a great checking line speed guy in the Matt Read mold (maybe not as physical).
6 Michael dal Colle LW (OHL) L 6' 1.5" 179
Note: Great Shot. Great Sniper. A bit overrated size-wise I think. Personally, he looks like Armia but less board-battle skill to me. Still, a solid pick at 6.
7 William Nylander C (Allsvenskan) R 5' 11" 175
Note: Pure offensive boom/bust. He's Patrick Kane in all but name. He'll either wow a team with offensive skills (who has defensive forwards to cover him), or he'll flame out.
8 Nick Ritchie RW (OHL) L 6' 2.25" 230
Note: Great size and battle. Fits that 'heavy' team Murray's talking up.
9 Haydn Fleury D (WHL) L 6' 2.75" 204
Note: Big, mobile for his size. Left-handed shot. He'd be a stellar pick-up if he fell. Some people think our defensive depth is set. I disagree.
10 Jared McCann C (OHL) L 5' 11.5" 174
Note: Plays bigger than he is. Could be a future captain in the league. Strong defensive play. You win with these players today.
11 Jake Virtanen RW (WHL) R 6' 0.75" 208
Note: Heck of a shot. I think he falls second to Dal Colle in shot power, but he's got a great one. He edges Tuch with his speed.
12 Alex Tuch RW (USAH-NTDP) R 6' 3" 222
Note: Since I'm typing this post-Murray's 6/19 presser, I can add that I believe this is the trade-up-to-the-teens target. Big. Battles. Gets flack for not being an offensive catalyst because he plays with Eichel. I see him as a player with range, even if the scoring isn't there.
13 Ivan Barbashev LW (QMJHL) L 6' 0.5" 185
Note: Maybe the most stand-out d-forward to me outside of McCann. Seems to make all the right reads. Saw him live in Halifax, and he effectively shut down Drouin all night. Moncton won 2-0.
14 Brendan Perlini LW (OHL) L 6' 2.5" 205
Note: If he was a little more consisent, I'd have him ahead of Virtanen and Tuch. When he's on, there isn't much better in this draft in terms of scoring power wingers.
15 Roland McKeown D (OHL) R 6' 1" 185
Note: Best skating d-man in this draft. Effective PP-QB, set-up man (we need one bad). First pass is awesome. Hyperbole here, but I see a young Duncan Keith in McKeown.
16 Adrian Kempe LW (Sweden) L 6' 1.5" 187
Note: All about the Puck Possession. The swedish hounds of Kempe/Larsson would be quite a pair. Worried about his ability to fore-check though.
17 Kasperi Kapanen LW (SM-liiga) R 5' 11" 172
Note: At this point, the talent drops off in my eyes. Kapanen tops the list here mainly on 'potential'. Good skating, good handler. Not a strong battler.
18 Dylan Larkin C (USHL) L 6' 0.75" 190
Note: Decent size. Defensive-center potential at the NHL level.
19 Robbie Fabbri C (OHL) L 5' 9.25" 166
Note: You can't deny some serious offensive potency here. Unfortunately, he looks like a better version of Tyler Ennis, and we already have a Tyler Ennis. Were this the 05-06 team, he's an easy add.
20 Nikolay Goldobin LW (OHL) L 5' 11.5" 178
Note: Pros: speed for days, and a good release. Cons: off-ice attitude. The cons keep him from being in the 10-16 group for me.
21 Nikita Scherbak LW (WHL) L 6' 0" 172
Note: High IQ winger with a knack for finding his way to the puck. I really see a less-big Baptiste with a bit weaker shot.
22 Jack Dougherty D (HS-MN) R 6' 1" 185
Note: Size is alright, but the key here is first pass. He has a good one. The one of unheralded strengths of the Chicago defense is the first pass.
23 Thatcher Demko G (USHL) L* 6' 3" 190
Note: Best goalie in a crop of decent 2nd round talent. He's a 1st for me mainly due to the weakness of the other choices(non-goalies) in round 1. Could be the high-upside goalie the Sabs are said to need.
24 Kevin Fiala RW (Sweden) L 5' 9.75" 165
Note: A feasty battler. He's not quite Marchand, but he'll mix it up. Has some offensive talent to boot.
25 Travis Sanheim D (WHL) L 6' 3" 181
Note: A big riser since the CHL season ended. I do see the size, and make note of the offensive talent he showed, I just question his skating. Moreso as a defensemen. Still, at this point, a potential top-4 'project' is a solid pick.
26 Conner Bleackley C (WHL) R 6' 0.5" 192
Note: When Baker mentioned O'Reilly comparisons, I had to go back and re-watch this kid. I sort of see it (could've been a while selective seeing by me), but I think he's a ways off from that. Another 'pick on potential', which is really the rest of this draft.
27 Brandon Lemieux LW (OHL) L 6' 0" 211
Note: I personally 'want' him higher, but talent trumped some positions. His ceiling is a third-liner. I feel he's a pretty good lock for that 3/4 line pesk role. Name and size will help, but he also seems to score timely goals. Good 3/4 liners are usually claimed to be such for 1) good defensive play 2) toughness 3) timely goals. Dave Bolland built a mighty reputation scoring timely goals and playing pesky defense. Lemieux isn't Bolland, but he's a guy I see making an impact on a future cup winner. I hope we get him at 31/39.
28 Sonny Milano LW (USHL) L 5' 11.5" 183
Note: Another offensive boom/bust, but not nearly as talented as Nylander. I'd take him over Schmaltz though. He'd basically fill the role Ennis currently should have when we're good (match-up scoring line, heavy o-line start lw), except Ennis is developing a bit of an edge. So. hopefully we pass.
29 David Pastrnak LW (Allsvenskan) R 5' 10" 165
Note: Again, offensive potency when the puck is with him (think Hodgson). Suspect when it isn't (think Hodgson).
30 Anton Karlsson LW (SEL) L 6' 1" 189
Note: The b version of Lemieux. I have less hope for him than the former, but still, heck of a checking-role player.
Edit: Now with Notes!
1 Sam Reinhart C (WHL) R 6' 1" 185
Notes: For me, Reinhart and Bennett are neck and neck. With that said, I've felt all along Reinhart has a slight edge, based mainly on 3 ppg years in the CHL.
2 Sam Bennett C (OHL) L 6' 0.25" 178
Note: My favorite player in the draft. Complete package of speed and skill. Worried about durability further down the road with his style, but he'll be an exciting player to watch. I have him ahead of Ekblad soley based on Sabres need.
3 Aaron Ekblad D (OHL) R 6' 3.5" 216
Note: He doesn't jump out at me the way Jones did last year. I see him as a very, very good defensemen, but not enough to justify taking him over either Sam.
4 Leon Draisaitl C (WHL) L 6' 1.75" 208
Note: Best non-Sam center. As mentioned by others, I do see some Grigorenko in his on-ice motion, but he seems more assertive in board battles then Grigs. I don't expect to see him as a Sabre.
5 Nikolai Ehlers LW (MJAHL) L 5' 11.5" 170
Note: It's close, but of the next 3 guys, Ehlers is the one I think would have a fall-back game if he wasn't producing. I expect him to be a very fast goal scoring threat. That being said, I could also see him as a great checking line speed guy in the Matt Read mold (maybe not as physical).
6 Michael dal Colle LW (OHL) L 6' 1.5" 179
Note: Great Shot. Great Sniper. A bit overrated size-wise I think. Personally, he looks like Armia but less board-battle skill to me. Still, a solid pick at 6.
7 William Nylander C (Allsvenskan) R 5' 11" 175
Note: Pure offensive boom/bust. He's Patrick Kane in all but name. He'll either wow a team with offensive skills (who has defensive forwards to cover him), or he'll flame out.
8 Nick Ritchie RW (OHL) L 6' 2.25" 230
Note: Great size and battle. Fits that 'heavy' team Murray's talking up.
9 Haydn Fleury D (WHL) L 6' 2.75" 204
Note: Big, mobile for his size. Left-handed shot. He'd be a stellar pick-up if he fell. Some people think our defensive depth is set. I disagree.
10 Jared McCann C (OHL) L 5' 11.5" 174
Note: Plays bigger than he is. Could be a future captain in the league. Strong defensive play. You win with these players today.
11 Jake Virtanen RW (WHL) R 6' 0.75" 208
Note: Heck of a shot. I think he falls second to Dal Colle in shot power, but he's got a great one. He edges Tuch with his speed.
12 Alex Tuch RW (USAH-NTDP) R 6' 3" 222
Note: Since I'm typing this post-Murray's 6/19 presser, I can add that I believe this is the trade-up-to-the-teens target. Big. Battles. Gets flack for not being an offensive catalyst because he plays with Eichel. I see him as a player with range, even if the scoring isn't there.
13 Ivan Barbashev LW (QMJHL) L 6' 0.5" 185
Note: Maybe the most stand-out d-forward to me outside of McCann. Seems to make all the right reads. Saw him live in Halifax, and he effectively shut down Drouin all night. Moncton won 2-0.
14 Brendan Perlini LW (OHL) L 6' 2.5" 205
Note: If he was a little more consisent, I'd have him ahead of Virtanen and Tuch. When he's on, there isn't much better in this draft in terms of scoring power wingers.
15 Roland McKeown D (OHL) R 6' 1" 185
Note: Best skating d-man in this draft. Effective PP-QB, set-up man (we need one bad). First pass is awesome. Hyperbole here, but I see a young Duncan Keith in McKeown.
16 Adrian Kempe LW (Sweden) L 6' 1.5" 187
Note: All about the Puck Possession. The swedish hounds of Kempe/Larsson would be quite a pair. Worried about his ability to fore-check though.
17 Kasperi Kapanen LW (SM-liiga) R 5' 11" 172
Note: At this point, the talent drops off in my eyes. Kapanen tops the list here mainly on 'potential'. Good skating, good handler. Not a strong battler.
18 Dylan Larkin C (USHL) L 6' 0.75" 190
Note: Decent size. Defensive-center potential at the NHL level.
19 Robbie Fabbri C (OHL) L 5' 9.25" 166
Note: You can't deny some serious offensive potency here. Unfortunately, he looks like a better version of Tyler Ennis, and we already have a Tyler Ennis. Were this the 05-06 team, he's an easy add.
20 Nikolay Goldobin LW (OHL) L 5' 11.5" 178
Note: Pros: speed for days, and a good release. Cons: off-ice attitude. The cons keep him from being in the 10-16 group for me.
21 Nikita Scherbak LW (WHL) L 6' 0" 172
Note: High IQ winger with a knack for finding his way to the puck. I really see a less-big Baptiste with a bit weaker shot.
22 Jack Dougherty D (HS-MN) R 6' 1" 185
Note: Size is alright, but the key here is first pass. He has a good one. The one of unheralded strengths of the Chicago defense is the first pass.
23 Thatcher Demko G (USHL) L* 6' 3" 190
Note: Best goalie in a crop of decent 2nd round talent. He's a 1st for me mainly due to the weakness of the other choices(non-goalies) in round 1. Could be the high-upside goalie the Sabs are said to need.
24 Kevin Fiala RW (Sweden) L 5' 9.75" 165
Note: A feasty battler. He's not quite Marchand, but he'll mix it up. Has some offensive talent to boot.
25 Travis Sanheim D (WHL) L 6' 3" 181
Note: A big riser since the CHL season ended. I do see the size, and make note of the offensive talent he showed, I just question his skating. Moreso as a defensemen. Still, at this point, a potential top-4 'project' is a solid pick.
26 Conner Bleackley C (WHL) R 6' 0.5" 192
Note: When Baker mentioned O'Reilly comparisons, I had to go back and re-watch this kid. I sort of see it (could've been a while selective seeing by me), but I think he's a ways off from that. Another 'pick on potential', which is really the rest of this draft.
27 Brandon Lemieux LW (OHL) L 6' 0" 211
Note: I personally 'want' him higher, but talent trumped some positions. His ceiling is a third-liner. I feel he's a pretty good lock for that 3/4 line pesk role. Name and size will help, but he also seems to score timely goals. Good 3/4 liners are usually claimed to be such for 1) good defensive play 2) toughness 3) timely goals. Dave Bolland built a mighty reputation scoring timely goals and playing pesky defense. Lemieux isn't Bolland, but he's a guy I see making an impact on a future cup winner. I hope we get him at 31/39.
28 Sonny Milano LW (USHL) L 5' 11.5" 183
Note: Another offensive boom/bust, but not nearly as talented as Nylander. I'd take him over Schmaltz though. He'd basically fill the role Ennis currently should have when we're good (match-up scoring line, heavy o-line start lw), except Ennis is developing a bit of an edge. So. hopefully we pass.
29 David Pastrnak LW (Allsvenskan) R 5' 10" 165
Note: Again, offensive potency when the puck is with him (think Hodgson). Suspect when it isn't (think Hodgson).
30 Anton Karlsson LW (SEL) L 6' 1" 189
Note: The b version of Lemieux. I have less hope for him than the former, but still, heck of a checking-role player.
Last edited:
