2025 NHL Entry Draft Thread, Sabres Draft 9th

[LGR4GM]

14 hours ago, Crusader1969 said:

I heard he is really slow. Or should I say, I hope all teams picking from 4-8 consider him slow and value speed and skill above avg skating with physicality.  

Martin? Idk if he's slow but his skating stride needs some love. His effort makes up for a lack of top end speed. I'd label his skating speed a 5 and his agility a 6.

4 is below NHL avg

5 is NHL avg

9 is McDavid 

8 hours ago, JoeSchmoe said:

 

For anyone that might be interested, at 645 in this clip Martin hits the 6'6 200lb Radim Mrtka.😀

Mrtka leaves me wanting more. 

[JoeSchmoe]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

Martin? Idk if he's slow but his skating stride needs some love. His effort makes up for a lack of top end speed. I'd label his skating speed a 5 and his agility a 6.

4 is below NHL avg

5 is NHL avg

9 is McDavid 

Mrtka leaves me wanting more. 

We're picking 9th, so Martin's skating is definitely a compromise. 

I just think he makes the team better than a better skater with less compete and less shot. I also feel like this is something that can be improved more than compete and grit which is just something you're born with.

[LGR4GM]

5 minutes ago, JoeSchmoe said:

We're picking 9th, so Martin's skating is definitely a compromise. 

I just think he makes the team better than a better skater with less compete and less shot. I also feel like this is something that can be improved more than compete and grit which is just something you're born with.

Carbonneau has less hitting but a better shot and better skating. 

I like Martin's game. I wont worry if they pick him. 

[Flashsabre]

https://upsidehockey.substack.com/p/2025-nhl-mock-draft-20-post-lottery
 

I’d take this mock draft.

[DarthEbriate]

The annual Star Wars names entry.

Looking at players that could theoretically still be on the board at 9:

Highly unlikely unless 2+ reaches are made:
Martone - Rebel guerilla leader; hunted by the Empire. Per Wookieepedia, Martonn was a male Zabrak inciter residing on Dromund Kaas.

Desnoyers - "Star Desnoyers! Two of 'em coming right at us."  I could do so much with this. My preferred SW choice. So much potential.

One of them will be there:

Frondell  - Heavily industrialized planet known for its shipyards; currently loyal to the Empire.

O'Brien - boring Earth name. Move along, move along.

Mrtka - The MRT-K Assassin droid. It's a prototype.

Martin - He's a hard-working dad just trying to make his way in the galaxy. Per Wookiepedia, Marten was a male miner living in the town of Vexen on the planet Kallistas. His twelve-year daughter received a cybernetic arm replacement thanks to Jondrell Inx.

McQueen - "Queen Amidala has escaped again -- find her!" "Roger, roger!" A Trade Federation battle droid -- with bad back -- easily dismantled and injured. Roger, roger!

Others to consider, but are outside the top 9 in most mock drafts:

Eklund - Rebel X-wing pilot

Jackson Smith - boring Earth name. Move along, move along.

Nesbitt - a stodgy Imperial officer

Aitcheson - H-S1 is a plucky astromech droid currently working in the Barrie system.

Carter Bear - An Ewok. Some folks think that Ewoks are little teddy bears

Carbonneau - "They've encased him in carbonneaunite. He should be quite the scorer, if he gets on the frozen ice sheet, that is."

Past Star Wars players and their outcomes for your reference:
2019 Byram - Rebel pilot
2019 Cozens - Imperial officer
2019 Krebs - An Ewok 
2020 Quinn - sounds like a smuggler
2021 Power – Unnnnnlimmited Owen Power!
2022 Savoie - Force-sensitive human who is seduced by the dark side of the Concept.
2022 Kulich - An asteroid belt in the Inner Rim
2022 Östlund - Imperial officer. 2 Osteds are Imperial navy officers! Amazing. Alater and Wermis!
2023 Benson - "I don't know anyone named Ben Son, but Old Ben…is kind of a strange old hermit."
2024 Konsta Helenius - Denizen of the local cantina

[Flashsabre]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sportsnets-2025-nhl-draft-rankings-may-edition/

[LGR4GM]

12 hours ago, Flashsabre said:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sportsnets-2025-nhl-draft-rankings-may-edition/

I just need Frondell to go early, like top 5. Idk what I'm missing with him but he never impresses me, especially since he's basically not a puck carrier.

[Mr. Allen]

13 hours ago, Flashsabre said:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sportsnets-2025-nhl-draft-rankings-may-edition/

I’m starting to be ok with some of the players in our area.  Of course I’d like someone to “fall” to us.  Only player I really don’t want is Eklund and that’s only because I think we already have prospects like him. 

[JP51]

Trade a 2 to move up a couple  of spots  and get Martone...  you cant teach his size or attitude...  

[LGR4GM]

34 minutes ago, JP51 said:

Trade a 2 to move up a couple  of spots  and get Martone...  you cant teach his size or attitude...  

This isn't the NFL. That won't happen. 

Im not sold on Martone being some physical force. Martin and Bear are. 

[JP51]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

This isn't the NFL. That won't happen. 

Im not sold on Martone being some physical force. Martin and Bear are. 

They are 18... I am not sold on anyone this draft... I dont think anyone is cant miss...   I know you cannot teach what Martone has... I want more of that...  Maybe Martin and Bear have this as well and will be better players more physical... honestly.... never saw them... if they are bigger and more physical than Martone.. ok... get them.... 

To me the bottom line is I would like us to focus on players that can bring skill and physicality to the game... and not just willing physicality but, mark off on your calendar when you are playing this person physicality.. we currently have none...  To me its Martone...  and not that it means anything... but the seems like the majority of mocks agree...  but again... 18... 

Not sure why trading up in all rounds of is limited to the NFL... happens all the time... just looked randomly draft tracker and lots of draft pick only switching was done including actually the Sharks moved 3 spots to get our 11 last year and we got their 14 and 42.  

Is it likely to happen... not really... in fact I am pretty much resigned to anything I think makes sense Adams gonna do the opposite...  We will likely end up with a 5 10 170 skill player that we just had to get cause we dont have enough of those... 

 

 

 

 

 

[LGR4GM]

54 minutes ago, JP51 said:

They are 18... I am not sold on anyone this draft... I dont think anyone is cant miss...   I know you cannot teach what Martone has... I want more of that...  Maybe Martin and Bear have this as well and will be better players more physical... honestly.... never saw them... if they are bigger and more physical than Martone.. ok... get them.... 

To me the bottom line is I would like us to focus on players that can bring skill and physicality to the game... and not just willing physicality but, mark off on your calendar when you are playing this person physicality.. we currently have none...  To me its Martone...  and not that it means anything... but the seems like the majority of mocks agree...  but again... 18... 

Not sure why trading up in all rounds of is limited to the NFL... happens all the time... just looked randomly draft tracker and lots of draft pick only switching was done including actually the Sharks moved 3 spots to get our 11 last year and we got their 14 and 42.  

Is it likely to happen... not really... in fact I am pretty much resigned to anything I think makes sense Adams gonna do the opposite...  We will likely end up with a 5 10 170 skill player that we just had to get cause we dont have enough of those... 

No it's not. That's Martin and Bear. And both are shorter than Martone which is so irrelevant to how they play. Bear is like Benson and Martin hits like a Tkachuk. I'll take a 6' guy like that that are definitely more physical than Martone impo. Martone turns his physicality on and off. He's not just naturally or always physical. 

To the trade up thing. You cited a trade that was not moving up to 5-7 to tell me it happens. It doesn't happen in the NHL. Teams don't trade back in the top 10 hardly ever. Buffalo traded last year and frankly that trade was bizarre. Teams trade first rounders completely but very very rarely if ever have I seen pick 9 and 39 traded for pick 6 or 7. Again, that's how the NFL works not the NHL.

[LGR4GM]

59 minutes ago, JP51 said:

  Is it likely to happen... not really... in fact I am pretty much resigned to anything I think makes sense Adams gonna do the opposite...  We will likely end up with a 5 10 170 skill player that we just had to get cause we dont have enough of those... 

Who's the last 5'10" skill guy we drafted, in this case I assume skill guy means not physical? Rosen? 

I guess Savoie? He'd count. 

[LGR4GM]

Unless Martone drops due to his skating, which is very doubtful, he'll go top 5. From what I've read or scene, his pace and skating are much improved. His playoffs were pretty good and with his size I think 5 might be his floor. 

If Buffalo wants size, that's probably gambling on McQueen. You can get average size with good physicality in a couple of 6ft guys in Martin or Bear. You could gamble on Carbonneau who had tools for days and also a physical side. Really only Eklund is short in the top 10.

[The Jokeman]

58 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Unless Martone drops due to his skating, which is very doubtful, he'll go top 5. From what I've read or scene, his pace and skating are much improved. His playoffs were pretty good and with his size I think 5 might be his floor. 

If Buffalo wants size, that's probably gambling on McQueen. You can get average size with good physicality in a couple of 6ft guys in Martin or Bear. You could gamble on Carbonneau who had tools for days and also a physical side. Really only Eklund is short in the top 10.

Physicality is important but guys need to be more than goons these days otherwise you get guys like Greenway who sure can log minutes but don't produce points and you need to move them on the 3rd or 4th line. The Sabres need a Tkachuk/Barnaby/Peca aka a guy that can be physical but also produce points, I'm guessing that's why we both like Bear. Yet with whomever we draft likely being 2-3 seasons away that's why I'm all for trading the pick away with someone (not JJP though to me him TNT, Tuch and Dahlin) are all untouchables to get a bonafide top 6 forward or top 4 Dman that can play in the NHL next season even. I'd also like a goalie to pair with UPL or if Levi keeps winning in Rochester the latter. As like to see a 50/30 split preferably the new guy getting more playing time next year and over time make Levi the #1 guy. 

[JP51]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

No it's not. That's Martin and Bear. And both are shorter than Martone which is so irrelevant to how they play. Bear is like Benson and Martin hits like a Tkachuk. I'll take a 6' guy like that that are definitely more physical than Martone impo. Martone turns his physicality on and off. He's not just naturally or always physical. 

To the trade up thing. You cited a trade that was not moving up to 5-7 to tell me it happens. It doesn't happen in the NHL. Teams don't trade back in the top 10 hardly ever. Buffalo traded last year and frankly that trade was bizarre. Teams trade first rounders completely but very very rarely if ever have I seen pick 9 and 39 traded for pick 6 or 7. Again, that's how the NFL works not the NHL.

 

The point is I want someone that people note on their calendar they are playing against...  that is skilled and physical edgy , nastly... (Benson some times you have to cross check someone in the head with the size to do it) , I liked Martone. If you think I am an idiot for thinking that... ok... I guess that is your right...  but if we believe we know how they turn out at 18 years old I would say good luck...

That said I am fine with your scenario if you think it works out better...  I dont care.. if Martin is the guy that turns out like Tkachuk and we get him awesome...  The size is not coachable but yes isnt always necessary. We both can cite a littany of players under 6 3 that I would love and a ton over 6 3 that are easy to play against... most of them are on our roster or have been on our roster at some point.  Bottom line just get me a guy with skill that brings the intensity with some size to back it up... and then go get me 3 more.  

With respect to the trade up, I am not sure where you are going with that unless you are saying there is some kind of unwritten rule that says if you are 10 or below never trade back... but if you are 11 its ok like we did with San Jose last year... I guess so...  but I dont believe that if we have identified a play we want in a weaker draft it is an impossibility to move from 9 to 7 and get the guy we want...  if you think it is... great...  Bottom line is it isnt happening anyways ... I dont see Adams doing that... 

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

Who's the last 5'10" skill guy we drafted, in this case I assume skill guy means not physical? Rosen? 

I guess Savoie? He'd count. 

The 5 10 170 analogy is exactly as you saw it... skill players that dont have the physicality... so like you said... size isnt the only measurement ... So like this Martin kid... 6 feet maybe can play at 205 lbs full grow hits like a truck... not in that analogy...  Rosen Savoie Peterka Quinn Kulich actually despite huge size and to your point Power... those are the guys I am referring too.... Benson even smaller... not in the category.... Now.. I did give you credit on the Helenius pick from last year... because I saw the European and the size and didnt like it... but he does seem to have an edge... Tzkchuk... no... but certainly you hopefully add him in the team tough.  Again, bottom line and simple... just watching the nastiness of these playoffs this team is ill prepared for that type of hockey... and if they are going anywhere it needs to change...  get me players with nasty in them that will allow the Peterkas, quinns, rosens, Kulich etc... to use their skill  Benson for that matter too... 

 

Edited 4 hours ago by JP51

[DarthEbriate]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

Who's the last 5'10" skill guy we drafted, in this case I assume skill guy means not physical? Rosen? 

I guess Savoie? He'd count. 

The most recent is the 2024 7th-round pick (2nd most recent pick): Vasily Zelenov draft measurables were 5-11 170# (or 6-0 180# depending on which source you used).

Grabbing draft day weights close to or less than 170, and heights 6-0 or under. Others:

2024 Zelenov 5-11 170#
2023 Benson 5-10 170#
2022 Sjodin 6-0 168#, Lindgren 6-0 176#, Östlund 5-11 165#, Savoie 5-9 179#, 
2021 Kozak 5-11 173#, Marjala 6-0 178#, Sardarian 6-1 156#, Kisakov 5-10 150#, Rosen 5-11 161#
2020 Konecny 5-11 156#, Costantini 5-11 173#, Quinn 6-0 176# 

A few folks bolded could be dropped based on higher weights, but they projected as skilled players when drafted (unlike say... Kozak, who was drafted as a ceiling 4th liner).

[LGR4GM]

8 minutes ago, JP51 said:

 

The point is I want someone that people note on their calendar they are playing against...  that is skilled and physical edgy , nastly... (Benson some times you have to cross check someone in the head with the size to do it) , I liked Martone. If you think I am an idiot for thinking that... ok... I guess that is your right...  but if we believe we know how they turn out at 18 years old I would say good luck...

That said I am fine with your scenario if you think it works out better...  I dont care.. if Martin is the guy that turns out like Tkachuk and we get him awesome...  The size is not coachable but yes isnt always necessary. We both can cite a littany of players under 6 3 that I would love and a ton over 6 3 that are easy to play against... most of them are on our roster or have been on our roster at some point.  Bottom line just get me a guy with skill that brings the intensity with some size to back it up... and then go get me 3 more.  

With respect to the trade up, I am not sure where you are going with that unless you are saying there is some kind of unwritten rule that says if you are 10 or below never trade back... but if you are 11 its ok like we did with San Jose last year... I guess so...  but I dont believe that if we have identified a play we want in a weaker draft it is an impossibility to move from 9 to 7 and get the guy we want...  if you think it is... great...  Bottom line is it isnt happening anyways ... I dont see Adams doing that... 

The 5 10 170 analogy is exactly as you saw it... skill players that dont have the physicality... so like you said... size isnt the only measurement ... So like this Martin kid... 6 feet maybe can play at 205 lbs full grow hits like a truck... not in that analogy...  Rosen Savoie Peterka Quinn Kulich actually despite huge size and to your point Power... those are the guys I am referring too.... Benson even smaller... not in the category.... Now.. I did give you credit on the Helenius pick from last year... because I saw the European and the size and didnt like it... but he does seem to have an edge... Tzkchuk... no... but certainly you hopefully add him in the team tough.  Again, bottom line and simple... just watching the nastiness of these playoffs this team is ill prepared for that type of hockey... and if they are going anywhere it needs to change...  get me players with nasty in them that will allow the Peterkas, quinns, rosens, Kulich etc... to use their skill  Benson for that matter too... 

 

I like Martone. I'm simply noting his level of physicality. 

There is no rule, it simply doesn't happen. Martone won't be there at 7 and idk what it would take to move up but probably 9 and Quinn for 7 and something like a 3rd. Teams just are highly unlikely to do that. 

[JP51]

5 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

I like Martone. I'm simply noting his level of physicality. 

There is no rule, it simply doesn't happen. Martone won't be there at 7 and idk what it would take to move up but probably 9 and Quinn for 7 and something like a 3rd. Teams just are highly unlikely to do that. 

and I trust you on the dude that hits like a truck I havent seen him play... I have Martone and he looks tough but if Martin is that guy awesome... I just want someone that thinks like Benson and has the size to make people notice...  with the trade... I really dont think there is a chance in hell Adams does that... as far as Martone I see him mocked 3 -9 I dont want to trade a huge package to move into that space... but if he drops to a 6 or 7 and that is the guy we want go get him... just please prioritize and acknowledge that a combination of skill size and nasty is a needed component in this team. 

[LGR4GM]

36 minutes ago, JP51 said:

and I trust you on the dude that hits like a truck I havent seen him play... I have Martone and he looks tough but if Martin is that guy awesome... I just want someone that thinks like Benson and has the size to make people notice...  with the trade... I really dont think there is a chance in hell Adams does that... as far as Martone I see him mocked 3 -9 I dont want to trade a huge package to move into that space... but if he drops to a 6 or 7 and that is the guy we want go get him... just please prioritize and acknowledge that a combination of skill size and nasty is a needed component in this team. 

Martin is the best hitter in the draft. He's ruthless and good at it.