By Warren Kozireski —
Two weeks from Wednesday (June 2), the National Hockey League will conduct the draft lottery to determine the order of selection for the July 23-24 draft, which will be held virtually again this year.
The Buffalo Sabres finished the regular season with the fewest points (37) in the league and have an 18.5% chance of securing the first overall selection for the second time in four years. They took defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in 2018.
With changes made to the lottery process this year, Buffalo can choose no lower than third overall. The New York Rangers are slotted no lower than 16th overall pending the lottery process, while the New York Islanders traded their first-round pick to New Jersey to acquire Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri.
Baring a trade, who might Buffalo select whether it be first, second or third overall? Defenseman will be taken early and often, but there are varying thoughts about the rankings after the first spot.
A snapshot at the players available:
- Owen Power (Defense-University of Michigan)
A man-child at 6’5” and 214 lbs. who won’t turn 19 years old until late November. Some compare him to Victor Hedman with maybe not the same offensive upside. He scored three goals with 13 assists over 26 games with the Wolverines this past season. Projected as a top-pair 30 minutes per game two-way blueliner who will anchor a team defense for years.
- Simon Edvinsson (Defense-Frolunda Jr., Sweden)
Another large body at 6’4”, 198 lb. The left shot skates well and uses his large wingspan to force forwards wide. Had one assist over ten games this season, but it’s always difficult to measure young players against much older competition not to mention limited ice time. Also projected third, fourth and ninth by various outlets)
- Brandt Clarke (Defense-Barrie, OHL)
Excellent skater and play-maker from the point. The Ottawa native played this season on loan in Slovakia after the OHL season was cancelled and put up 15 points in 26 games. Not small at 6’2”, 190 lbs. Also projected sixth and fourth.
- Luke Hughes (Defense-USNTDP)
Yep, another one. The younger, but larger brother of former first round draft picks Quinn (Vancouver) and Jack (New Jersey) stands 6’2” and 176 lbs. Committed to the University of Michigan this fall, the left shot racked up a combined ten goals and 49 points over 56 games this past season. Also projected fifth, eighth and 11th.
- Matthew Beniers (Center-University of Michigan)
Massachusetts native averaged one point per game in his freshman year with the Wolverines. 6’1”, 174lbs, he played the two seasons prior with the USNTDP. Aggressive forechecker and two-way game coming off a solid campaign that has elevated him on many lists. Also slotted fourth, second and second.
- Dylan Guenther (Right Wing-Edmonton, WHL)
Elite goal scorer who can skate. Had 24 points in 12 games and matched that pace at the U-18 World Juniors. Stands 6’1”, 181 lbs. Also ranked second, third, fifth and sixth.
- William Eklund (Left Wing, Djurgarden, Sweden)
Offensive minded with 11 goals and 12 assists and 63 shots in the SHL. 5’10” and 173 lbs. Also slotted fifth, seventh and third.
- Kent Johnson (Center-University of Michigan)
Led all draft-eligible players with 27 points in 26 games. Needs to build up his body a bit—6’1” and 167 lbs. Also ranked fourth and sixth.
