2025 NHL Entry Draft Thread, Sabres Draft 9th

[Flashsabre]

3 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Impo, since Buffalo has Dahlin, forwards are much more valuable at the top of drafts than defenders. You can find 2nd pairing defenders pretty consistently in late round 1 and in round 2. But, the Sabres are gonna Sabre and there's a good chance in this draft, at 9 you get the 2nd defender taken. It could really pay off but we'll have to see. It's funny that 6'6" mrtka is "omg his size" but there's less of that with 6'4" Smith who skates better. 

The Sabres can’t find a second pairing dman to save their lives.

I agree though to take the best forward at 9 if it isn’t moved (Adams doesn’t have the balls to pull that off)

[LGR4GM]

Tbh, I'm not opposed to them taking a defender. I just think in this specific draft, you'll have opportunities in round 2 to do just that. 

[DarthEbriate]

Given their most recent 1st round picks (Benson, Helenius in the AHL playoffs) and also Ziemer, and also the in-division dominance of tougher teams Florida/Tampa/Boston, I have slightly better feeling that they will prioritize the aggression in the player.

So I think there's a better chance they do prioritize Martin, Bear, Aitcheson, Smith, or Eklund (though very lightweight) over the less-attacking O'Brien, Mrtka, etc.

[LGR4GM]

 

 

[dudacek]

i'm real curious who the "Forton 6-7" are.

Misa and Schaefer would seem to be a given.

Does is include Hagens, Martone, Frondell, and Desnoyers, who seems to be in the consensus top 6 or 7, or are they down on someone in that group.

Does it include any late risers like O'Brien and Martin, or one of the next 3 defenders? Where does Roger McQueen fit?

Will they be more inclined to move up a couple spots if one of their guys is falling? Move down is they don't? Trade for a player?

[French Collection]

29 minutes ago, dudacek said:

i'm real curious who the "Forton 6-7" are.

Misa and Schaefer would seem to be a given.

Does is include Hagens, Martone, Frondell, and Desnoyers, who seems to be in the consensus top 6 or 7, or are they down on someone in that group.

Does it include any late risers like O'Brien and Martin, or one of the next 3 defenders? Where does Roger McQueen fit?

Will they be more inclined to move up a couple spots if one of their guys is falling? Move down is they don't? Trade for a player?

There seems to be someone falling every draft, maybe they are banking on that happening again. Hagens, because of his size?

Perhaps their list has someone as a consensus 10-12 that they view as a 6-7.

I wouldn’t move down unless it is for Schaefer or Misa.

[JoeSchmoe]

1 hour ago, French Collection said:

Hagens, because of his size?

For all his expectations, Hagens underproduced. He had two high end linemates, both of whom out produced him. Still, he'd collect his share of points by virtue of playing with them. The end story though is that Hagens was likely the passenger... Not the driver.

I haven't watched him though, so the boots on the ground report may say otherwise. Hard to argue with the scoresheet though.