Sabres fans receive some good news for the first time in a long time, as it was announced that the Buffalo Sabres have won the NHL’s annual draft lottery and will pick 1st overall for the 2nd time in four years during the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
The Sabres finished the 2021 season with the worst record in the league, posting a 15-34-7 record with 37 points in 56 games. The Sabres have a ton of holes to fill with their roster, and with a predictable roster overhaul this summer, Kevyn Adams has hit work cut out for him. There are questions with whether or not Jack Eichel will be back, Sam Reinhart’s and Rasmus Dahlins contract, the defense needs to be upgraded, goaltender Linus Ullmark possibly testing free agency are just a few of the obstacles that face the Buffalo Sabres this summer. But, with those issues being taken care of later this summer, here is a look at three players the Sabres should look to take with their #1 pick in the draft, in the hopes that this could finally be a player that could jump-start this franchise again.
#1 – Owen Power – D – University of Michigan
The 6’5 D-Man for Michigan has been touted by many scouts as the consensus #1 player in the upcoming NHL Draft. Power would step right into the Sabres lineup and likely play in the Sabres top four defensive pairings. The 18-year-old Mississauga, Ontario native had three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 26 games for the University of Michigan, as well posting a +18 rating. In the 2019-2020 USHL season, Power was named USHL Defenseman of the Year, as well as being a First Team All-Star and posting the most points by a defenseman (40). In the 2020-2021 NCAA season, Power was named to the (B1G) All-Rookie Team and was a Second Team All-Star. His puck handling and passing skills are elite and have proven he can put up points on the back-end. Power is a huge body as well, listed as 6’5 and 214 lbs, he could step right in and throw his body around. While scoring was an issue in Buffalo this year, and well, in previous years, Owen Power seems to be the perfect fit for Buffalo and could bring in what they desperately need.
#2 – Matthew Beniers – C – University of Michigan
Another Michigan player, Matthew Beniers is listed at 6’1, 174 LBS, and could challenge Power for the #1 spot in the draft. In 24 games for Michigan, Beniers had 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points and was an impressive +21. The Sabres need scoring forwards, and Beniers would certainly add that. His speed and skill with the puck could be an impressive attribute the Sabres could use if Sam Reinhart does not return. Adding Beniers would add depth to the Sabres center ice position, and with the uncertainty with Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel’s status with the Sabres up in the air, Beniers could come in and challenge to be the Sabres top-line center if Eichel and Reinhart do not return. There would be a big learning curve, jumping from the NCAA to the NHL, but a talent like Beniers could adjust quicker than most people think given his skillset.
#3 – Dylan Guenther – LW/RW – Edmonton Oil Kings – WHL
Guenther would be another interesting pick for the Sabres because of his high offensive upside. He can play on either wing and has proven he can put up points in each league he has advanced to. In 78 total games with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL, Guenther put up 41 goals and added 46 assists for 87 points. During the 2019-2020 WHL Season, Guenther was named the WHL Rookie of the Year and added a WJC Gold Medal in 2020-2021. If the Sabres draft Guenther, they have the option to keep him in Buffalo for his rookie year or send him back to the Edmonton Oil Kings for another year of development. Guenther would add speed and skill to the Sabres top-six forward group.
At his post lottery press conference, GM Kevyn Adams said he would not take the player that he believes can play right away, rather they are going to take a player that can be the best throughout his career. It will be interesting to see the player the Sabres end up taking because of the circumstances surrounding this draft. There have been a limited amount of games for some of these prospects to showcase themselves to teams in the NHL. Adams also said that, regardless of who they pick, he could leave them with their Junior or College team, or wherever they were playing prior to the draft, and let them develop their game.
The 2021 NHL Draft is scheduled to be held on July 23rd through July 24th, so Kevyn Adams and associate GM Jason Karmanos have their work cutout for them. The expansion draft with the new Seattle Kraken, Jack Eichel’s injury and status with the team, Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Dahlin’s contract’s are just a few of the obstacles that will have to be solved. But, with that being said, the Sabres have a chance to turn the franchise in the right direction with the #1 pick.