Derrico

Yep but it’s for only two years so won’t matter.

After reading through some of his older stuff, he was labelled as a pretty special player all the way back to when he was 13. He put up 71 points in 31 games as a 14 year old against kids older than him at a prep league school. He then applies for exceptional status to join the WHL at the age of 15 and is denied by Hockey Canada because they feel he’s too small and don’t want to risk his health. He still cuts a deal with Winnipeg (who drafted him first overall in WHL entry draft) and the WHL basically supersede Hockey Canada decision and they allow him to play 22 games. He puts up 7 assists as a 15 year old against many guys 19 in whl. He splits time with the same prep school and puts up 52 points in 22 games. His age 16 year is messed up by covid. WHL season canceled. He ends up scoring 38 points in 34 games playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of ushl. His age 17/18 season is last year and the WHL returns from covid. He plays for Winnipeg putting up 35 goals and 55 assists for 95 points in 65 games. That’s good for 7th in the league. Only next years draft phenom Connor Bedard put up more points at a younger age. Everyone else in the top 12 is 1-3 years older than him. If you are someone who thinks you need big guys come playoff time then I can see your hesitation. But if you don’t think size is a huge factor then boy there is a lot to be excited about here.

Listening to Forton, he raves about his athleticism and side to side movement. Again, based on early results of the last couple of drafts I’m going to trust our front office over some armchair internet analysts who have likely never seen him even play live (not referring to you but the reports you’ve likely searched). Sabres seem genuinely excited to have him and said they had a first round grade on him. He may not work out like any other pick at 41 but damn do we need another goalie in the system and they obviously got the one they wanted as he was first off the board.

Really cool video of Savoie when he was 13. https://globalnews.ca/video/3200947/13-year-old-bantam-player-already-on-scouts-radar Was always a Sabre

You’re in a better mood today

That maybe realistic but I don’t think that’s best case. One of these years maybe we will have an ROR guy we draft late first/second that has the kind of camp/preseason/early season success that makes it ridiculous to consider taking out of the lineup.

For those doubting the pick have a listen to forton interview post draft (I’m sure wgr will have it). Sabres scouts are very very high on this kid. Big and athletic Finn. In summary, he said there was a huge drop off after this kid for goalies( according to their draft board). They were debating yesterday whether to take him at 28 or ‘gamble’ and see if they could still take him where they did. Went into the scouting and interviews they’ve had with all of his club coaches and goalie coaches and they really believe in him. I know every team is saying that right now but it was interesting how excited he seemed. After the Quinn / Peterka draft I said I’m going to just leave my trust in this new analytics management group. I will be very interested watching this kids development.

Ya I came to post fortons quote from post draft. Sound like he was really in consideration at 29 OA.

Seeing as the second goalie went a few picks later???

Well after some reading this sure seemed like a guy we may have got at 28? Ugh. I guess I have to trust our analytics guys and give them benefit of the doubt. Sure seems like he was projected to go late first at best…..

You can’t pick 18 year old kids with the assumption we will still have ***** goaltending 4 years from now when they may or may not be difference makers.

Well we needed to stock the C position and looks like we’ve taken a couple of swings. I’m all bpa but I hope bpa is D at 28

Ok I think I hope so. Mainly because of daduck

Every year there’s someone but unusual it’s Eleven

Right?! Don’t know if good or bad

Do we want him even there?

More importantly, what is your take on the pick? I haven’t seen an immediate reaction yet.

What are your major concerns?

Interesting Geekie interviewed and he goes one pick later

It had to have been just last year right? That was fun

5’9 with multiple concussions? I hope not….

This really isn’t the same without all the bitching and moaning we usually have

Nazar Sovie or kasper?

Nice D falls to us? I’m not opposed going D again (I realize this is unpopular opinion).