Archives for July 2022

'“I really felt two years ago with the draft that we didn't have enough prospects and then we also didn't have a lot of draft picks, which makes it challenging,” he said. “It was definitely part of our plan and our organizational philosophy that we have to build our pipeline up. … I feel a lot better about where we’re at than two years ago, but at the same time, this is such a … [Read more...] about With trio of high picks, Sabres GM Kevyn Adams has ‘opportunity’ to continue building

'The Sabres got a nice pick in the fourth round in defenseman Jacob Bryson and his 111 games are tied for fourth among all players taken outside Rounds 1 or 2. Makes up some for Botterill's disastrous choice of Marcus Davidsson at No. 37, who is the second-highest pick in the draft to not make the NHL behind No. 28 Shane Bowers of Ottawa.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: NHL draft is all about futures and you never really know. Just look at how 2017 turned out

'Sharks president Jonathan Becher told reporters Tuesday in San Jose that the organization spoke with many people in hockey, including former Sharks players, about Grier as a general manager. Grier, 47, got the endorsement of another former Sabre in the interview process: Chris Drury, the general manager of the New York Rangers.' … [Read more...] about Sabres connection helps Mike Grier make history as first Black NHL general manager

'With three early selections, and 11 in the entire draft, Adams can restock areas that were depleted by graduations to the NHL – particularly on defense – and could potentially take a flier on a player who others might deem too risky for the first round.' … [Read more...] about Intriguing first-round draft targets for Sabres at picks 9, 16, 28

'The Sabres need to keep stocking the shelves. Remember, they only had five draft picks in 2020 and six apiece from 2017 to 2019. This could make consecutive years of 11 picks and the first trio in the first round since 1983. Make some trades in the later rounds if you want but revel in the huge luck that the Vegas pick you acquired for Jack Eichel is No. 16 instead of the … [Read more...] about Sabres roundtable: Answering 5 burning questions ahead of the NHL draft

'Despite the misfires, early draft returns from Botterill’s three-year tenure are promising. Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson and Dylan Cozens are members of the Sabres’ young core. Injuries have prevented Casey Mittelstadt from establishing himself as a long-term solution at center, though he still has the talent and time to become one. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen can still develop … [Read more...] about Reviewing Jason Botterill’s draft picks as Sabres general manager

'"I do think (an in-person draft) it leads to opportunity," Adams said. "What I have learned over the last couple of years is the majority of things that ultimately will play out on draft day have been worked on for a while. So going back weeks now, there's been conversations going on with every team and you're talking about things that they're looking for and what are we … [Read more...] about Inside the NHL: With all the teams finally back together in person, the draft could be livelier than normal