Crusader1969

I should have said I look think the Sabres believe they already have their top pair damn in the system already and it's Guhle. But I'll openly admit I'm only guessing. Where have you heard the rumblings? Maybe I've missed something? I won't be upset with whomever they take at #8. However, it is important for them to get it right. This should be the last top10 pick Buffalo will have for awhile.

my guess of how draft will unfold (assuming no trades) 4) Edmonton Oilers - Matthew Tkachuk. Oilers need a power forward to compliment the Skill they have drafted over the last 6 years or so. I think Tkachuk's OHL play-offs have all but cemented him as the 4th pick in this years draft. Oilers, obvioulsy, need help on D but they go the trade route in order to get an NHL Dman or two. 5) Vancouver Canucks - Logan Brown, Canucks draft the player who they think can eventually replace Daniel Sedin as their #1 center. 6) Calgary Flames - Pierre Luc-Dubios, this is exactly brian burkes type of player - big and mean plus the kid can play 7) Arizona Coyotes - Oli Juolevi, this is a really tough call but the top prospects in the Arizona system are all forwards plus they have Domi and Duclair already in the NHL so time to go D and pick up a guy who they can eventually pair with OEL. 8) Buffalo Sabres - Alexander Nylander. Murray said that Eichel's future winger may not be on the roster yet and the prospects of a top line of Reinhart, Nylander and Eichel will be too tempting for him to pass on. I won't be disappointed if its Chychrun's name here that gets called but I believe the Sabres already have their future top pair Dman already in the system and I think Chychrun has a bit of boom or bust (bust being a 3/4 dman) to him. I will add that I won't be at all surprised if Murray makes a move to get up to the 4 slot to grab from the Oilers in a deal that includes Pysyk, 8th pick and a prospect.

I'm thinking that they go Tkachuk. Yes, they have taken a lot of forwards with their high draft pick (except Nurse) but these guys have been all skill and very little brawn. I think they take the power foward at 4 and trade for an NHL ready Dman with one of their skilled guys.

Completely agree about Dubios going to Vancouver....unless MTL makes a move to grab him in the 4th slot ahead of Vancouver.

I think I still prefer the guy who Murray thinks will be a better player over the next 12 years rather than the guy who can play in the NHL the quickest. The only thing I really want to see in the draft is Logan Brown going before the Sabres draft. Not that I don't like Brown, I just don't think he would be on the Sabres radar because of the position he plays. I'll be extremely happy if Murray and company only have to remove two of the following names from their draft board prior to them selecting - Nylander, Dubois, Keller, Juolevi, Chychrun and Sergi.

Im finding that everyday Im changing my mind, maybe its just I can't make up my mind. I have a real hard time ranking the 4 prospects who I hope the Sabres land - Sergachev, Chychrun, Keller or Nylander. Every time I research one, I come away impressed and hope the Sabres can get him. I have about 10 games each of the 3 OHL players recorded and have read many scouting reports and I just cant seperate them. I only have Keller from the U18 tourney but everything written about him too is impressive. I don't include Tkachuk or Dubois as those are the only 2 I will guarantee go before the Sabres draft. all 4 have high end potential and should be key components when the Sabres become cup contenders. I agree on the Stamkos point. It would be amazing for him to choose the Sabres over the Leafs initially but its just too much to pay for 1 player who will have huge health concerns. He may have been too expensive even if healthy for the Sabres considering that eventually Risto, Eichel and Reinhart will also have big paydays. So it will suck to see Leafs fans celebrate the signing of Stamkos but just like the signing of Kessel, Phanuef, Clarkson - eventually they will regret it as well. Though (assuming he is healthy) it may be a couple of years before the contract once again hangs like an albatross. Just in time when they are ready to become good. Vesey is the guy I really will be disappointed over if they dont sign him and he goes to the Leafs or Bruins. I believe he fits in perfectly with what the Sabres are trying to build

really good write up on the OHL prospects available in this years draft: http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca/

God why couldn't the Sabres have just lost 2 more games this past season and this would have been ours to enjoy! Latest scouting report on Laine suggests that he has a BOOM STICK pic.twitter.com/aFaT2qXard — Pavel Barber (@HeyBarber) May 18, 2016

At this point the only other Forward who may go before the Sabres draft is Logan Brown. I think best case scenario is Sabres turn to pick and they still have Nylander, Keller and 2 out of 3 of the Dmen still on the board. If we knew exactly how the Sabres felt Guhle would fit in long term we would be able to narrow it down even further. My feeling is that they believe he can be the top pair LHD that they will play with Risto in another year or two. If they think he is more likely to be a 2nd pair dman, I think they go Chryhrun or Juolevi (i think 1 will be gone leaving the other the Buffalo). Hopefully there is one more seat on the Keller bandwagon cause I think im in!

Fabbro is 6'0 but you are right that he played in BCHL that has produced some really good NHL players. Love this point!

Chychrun 11 and Sergachev 17 - definitely the lowest I've seen Sergi. Though his write-up on Sergachev is quite positive.

Sergachev would be an interesting case study. Kid comes over from Russia last summer and can't speak English at that time. takes a couple of months to adjust to change in culture and North American game. Over the last 54 games he plays (Halloween foward) he puts up 52 points.

ESPN rankings out today - Patrick Laine is the #1 prospect. i think you will see a couple of other ranking sites move him into the #1 slot. Mckeen's hockey has had him there since January. 4) Keller 5) Dubois 6) Tkachuk 7) Nylander 8) Juolevi 9) Jost 10) Fabbro It would be amazing for Murray to have pick of all the Dmen at #8. I predict that Edmonton will trade that pick 4 for a top4 dman and other teams #1. Would you consider Pysyk, prospect and #8 for the pick #4? I would but I'm not sure Pysyk would entice the Oilers or not.

Just bought the Hockey News Draft Guide. Had Mascherin down at 72 overall but that's not to say that they are right. I know there is one draft publication that had him either go late first or early second round - just can't remember who it was. My fav for 2nd round Jorday Kyrou was 61st. "A highly mobile transitional two-way playmaker that always looks poised and reads the game well. A strong skater that moves with a natural ease and accelerates with purpose and drive. Defensively looks to block passing lanes and battle for puck possession. Transitions to offence tremendously well and is very dangerous with the puck. Displays excellent puck control and has a quick release on his shot. His forte is his ability to make plays, as his creativity and hockey sense seem to take over on the attack. All-in-all, a hard-working two-way player that can be relied upon in all situations to make a positive difference."

it would have been good to add a guy like Cagguila to the prospect pool I don't think he is thought of as a sure thing by any means. Vesey will be much more disappointing if he does in fact go to Toronto or Boston. Though winning may solve everything - it is reported that The Drake is signing with Vancouver or Edmonton. i can see the enticement of playing with McDavid but Vancouver? maybe they are the only ones he can guarantee a spot in the NHL next season in their top 6?

Sabres reported out of caggulia sweeps

Dubois plays both C and LW. That's why there is speculation that Vancouver will have a big decision between Dubios and Brown if they are both there in the 5 slot. I watched a Windsor game last night that I have recorded from early Feb to watch Sergi once again. Not sure why this didn't occur to me earlier but though he is a LHD he plays on the right side. Any concerns for him being able to switch to the left in the NHL?

Sergachev at 8 makes a lot of sense. Windsor (his OHL team) will be hosting the memorial cup next year - what a great way to help his development. If you want your Top pair Dman to be physical he is definitely the choice over Chychrun and Joulevi. Offensively he was impressive too. It was his first season in NA and in first 13 games he has 2G and 3 assists. Once he gets acclimated to his new surroundings he put up 52 points over the remaining 54 games. Has a big time shot, can play on the Power Play and in every game I've seen him play you can count on him to take it coast to coast at least once - either scoring himself or setting up a team-mate with an opportunity to score.

Their first Superstar in their 99 year history - no pressure on him at all. http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/lottery-winners-auston-matthews-is-the-superstar-maple-leafs-have-lacked-for-99-years/

We will probably see more of Brown in the top 10 with his performance at the world under 18's. Unfortunately McLoed didn't stand out at that tourney and now he is looking at the mid teens. Fabbro is another guy that could surprise in the top 10 and break up the group of 3 dmen.

Well if Puljujarvi is really better than Laine that means Toronto is picking the 3rd best prospect available!

Zona is the wildcard as they could go D since they are loaded with forward prospects. I'll take a board for GMTM that includes 2 of the 3 Dman plus Nylander to choose from

Rumours are mtl is offering their pick plus Beaulieu to Edm and would then draft Dubois Interview with Benning today indicates he is looking at a forward with Sedins getting older and without apparent #1 D in draft. Guessing they would be looking at Dubois or Brown who could play centre for them. Pick would then be Brown with Dubois off the board. Calgary's Burke was on TSN overdrive today and said he was relieved they didn't fall to 7th because they are looking at 3 guys who would fit the profile of what they are looking for. Gotta think he is talking tkachcuk brown and Dubois because all have size. Calgary drafts Tkachuk, 7th - Arizona is where Nylander goes to add to their impressive core of young forwards. Since OEM is a LHD, I can't see them taking a Dman to play on their 2nd pairing long term with talent like Nylander available Leaves the Sabres with all 3 Dman on the board at 8.

Plus he is thought of as being a better prospect than his brother. Would be fun to have the better Nylander on the Sabres!! Wish we knew what Vesey was doing prior to the draft. If you land him then you go Dman in draft, if you don't you probably go forward. Assuming all potential draft prospects are ranked about the same

I'm assuming the islanders and hamonic would make much better sense for them than Pysyk