2013 NHL Entry Draft: Buffalo Sabres Select...

[X. Benedict]

We'll get a good player at 8.

 

Doing research I'm pretty impressed with Ristolainen too.

[DHawerchuk10]

1) Colorado - Jones

They need that stud on D and he is the total package - no brainer. Plus they have Reilly, Duchenne as centres and Landeskog at wing

 

2) Florida - MacKinnon

They have a pretty good pool of young talent, especially at centre, but this gives them a recognisable name. They are too high to take a defenceman. But their wings are worse than their centre, so I could see them taking Drouin. I may change this choice nearer the time

 

3) Tampa - Drouin

If available this is a no brainer. He plays like Stamkos' current ageing winger. Plus they already have that go to number 1 C. Plus Stamkos is a scorer and Drouin a playmaker

 

4) Nashville - Barkov

They need high end offensive players. They can't afford to risk it with Nichushkin

 

5) Carolina - Nichushkin

This is risky. Nichushkin is hard to spell and such a spanner in the works. I could see him dropping to 10th. But Carolina dropped so low because of Ward's injury. This team is not this bad when healthy, so i think they go for the big reward, big bust. This guy is ranked 2nd overall by ISS - better than Drouin, MacKinnon and Brakov. Hard to pass the talent up, especially when you don't really need it. They also have Semin (maybe he could convince him) and they have their top 2C set, but Nich can play wing as well

 

6) Calgary - Nurse

They need a lot, but at this point the high end forward talent is gone and they really need an offensive Dman. Especially after trading what's-his-name (mind blank). They also need a player to build around, and so I think they could take Monahan instead, but Nurse would be the better pick for this team. I also think they take Fucale with on of their later picks if he is there

 

7) Edmonton - Ristolainen

No brainer. They have the forwards, they can sign the dpeth grit guys. Risto is a two way player who can cover for the forwards and let them be a bit more risky in the offensive zone and he can make things happen with them. Also he has been playing against pros

 

8) Buffalo - Monahan

Maybe this list was just me hoping...However, we need size and leadership at centre, and top end talent. Monahan is not top end talent, but he is talented and does bring the rest. This guy has to be Darcy's target if trading for the top 4 is too difficult. Carolina and Calgary are the wild cards for him, but I don't think he is talented enough to be worth a 5/6 pick. If Monahan is gone, then we take Nichushkin, and if he is also gone then we taken Lindholm

 

9) New Jersey - Lindholm

They are thin at centre in both the AHL and NHL. He is the highest quality player left. They have their franchise D-man in Larsson. If Lindholm is not available because we took him because Nich was not taken, then NJD take Nich. They really lack star players. However, my reptile brain is saying they have a long look at Fucale - what with their two goaltenders totalling 79 years. However, they don't have a first next year (punishment), so I think they go for the safer bed of Lindholm and trade for a goalie

 

10 - Dallas - Shinkaruk

They don't need more shutdown defencemen, so Zadorov is out. Shinkaruk can play LW, which is where they are weakest in their prospect pool. He is exciting to watch, which will help in a non-traditional market

 

If we get Monahan or Lindholm, I would consider us pretty lucky. Monahan reminds me of a lesser Jonathan Toews. No shame in stocking up on centers either.

[X. Benedict]

If we get Monahan or Lindholm, I would consider us pretty lucky. Monahan reminds me of a lesser Jonathan Toews. No shame in stocking up on centers either.

Absolutely right. Larson and Girgenson can play wing as well. If this is done right the Sabres shouldn't have to play center-less hockey for the next 10 years like they have done the last 3.

[LGR4GM]

well judging from the poll I am going to use the numbers and twist them, sorry.

 

If you look at the players in the poll they play Defense, Center, and Wing. It seems to me that most would love for a Center to be added who is top 6 in talent. That is the extrapolation I take from that. That being said the question is will it be LIndholm or Monahan. I really wish we were drafting 6th because then we could just choose which guy we wanted, as such I think we will have to hope that Nichucshkins and 2 defenders get taken 2-7. That is 6 slots with 3 going to Mackinnon, Barkov, Drouin, Nichushkins, Defender (nurse), Defender (Zadarov/Ristolainen) that would get Monahan to fall to us. The 2 biggest variables are the russian and the second defender but I suppose come june 30 we shall find out.

[26CornerBlitz]

1) Colorado - Jones

They need that stud on D and he is the total package - no brainer. Plus they have Reilly, Duchenne as centres and Landeskog at wing

 

2) Florida - MacKinnon

They have a pretty good pool of young talent, especially at centre, but this gives them a recognisable name. They are too high to take a defenceman. But their wings are worse than their centre, so I could see them taking Drouin. I may change this choice nearer the time

 

3) Tampa - Drouin

If available this is a no brainer. He plays like Stamkos' current ageing winger. Plus they already have that go to number 1 C. Plus Stamkos is a scorer and Drouin a playmaker

 

4) Nashville - Barkov

They need high end offensive players. They can't afford to risk it with Nichushkin

 

5) Carolina - Nichushkin

This is risky. Nichushkin is hard to spell and such a spanner in the works. I could see him dropping to 10th. But Carolina dropped so low because of Ward's injury. This team is not this bad when healthy, so i think they go for the big reward, big bust. This guy is ranked 2nd overall by ISS - better than Drouin, MacKinnon and Brakov. Hard to pass the talent up, especially when you don't really need it. They also have Semin (maybe he could convince him) and they have their top 2C set, but Nich can play wing as well

 

6) Calgary - Nurse

They need a lot, but at this point the high end forward talent is gone and they really need an offensive Dman. Especially after trading what's-his-name (mind blank). They also need a player to build around, and so I think they could take Monahan instead, but Nurse would be the better pick for this team. I also think they take Fucale with on of their later picks if he is there

 

7) Edmonton - Ristolainen

No brainer. They have the forwards, they can sign the dpeth grit guys. Risto is a two way player who can cover for the forwards and let them be a bit more risky in the offensive zone and he can make things happen with them. Also he has been playing against pros

 

8) Buffalo - Monahan

Maybe this list was just me hoping...However, we need size and leadership at centre, and top end talent. Monahan is not top end talent, but he is talented and does bring the rest. This guy has to be Darcy's target if trading for the top 4 is too difficult. Carolina and Calgary are the wild cards for him, but I don't think he is talented enough to be worth a 5/6 pick. If Monahan is gone, then we take Nichushkin, and if he is also gone then we taken Lindholm

 

9) New Jersey - Lindholm

They are thin at centre in both the AHL and NHL. He is the highest quality player left. They have their franchise D-man in Larsson. If Lindholm is not available because we took him because Nich was not taken, then NJD take Nich. They really lack star players. However, my reptile brain is saying they have a long look at Fucale - what with their two goaltenders totalling 79 years. However, they don't have a first next year (punishment), so I think they go for the safer bed of Lindholm and trade for a goalie

 

10 - Dallas - Shinkaruk

They don't need more shutdown defencemen, so Zadorov is out. Shinkaruk can play LW, which is where they are weakest in their prospect pool. He is exciting to watch, which will help in a non-traditional market

 

Grant Sonier has an ESPN Insider Mock Draft of the fourteen non-playoff teams with the Sabres taking Lindholm at 8:

 

He writes: "Lindholm is an elite two-way player who I consider to be one of the most complete players I have seen in some time. I think he is too good to pass up on. It is never a bad idea to select assets who can play, and no doubt the Sabres will be looking to make changes.

 

His excellent offensive hockey sense, combined with tenacious effort, makes him super-attractive at this point in the draft.

 

Another possibility might be combining this pick with Minnesota's 17th overall pick to trade up, if there's an earlier target they covet."

 

First seven picks he has are: Jones, MacKinnon, Drouin, Barkov, Nichushkin, Zadarov, Monahan, and Zadorov

[Robviously]

Finding top 6 forwards is more of a priority. IMO.

Definitely agree with that, but I do think its worth pointing out that we aren't loaded at defense by any stretch.

[SabresBillsFan]

Definitely agree with that, but I do think its worth pointing out that we aren't loaded at defense by any stretch.

 

I totally agree we aren't loaded at defense but when you look at all the good teams in the league and then you look at the bad teams you will see that almost every non playoff team besides Philly lacked Goal Scoring. Philly has never had alot of talent on the backend and or goaltending. But I think you build from Offense on out in Hockey. If you look at the system that Buffalo has no one really scares you up front. This team needs offense and they need it in the worst way. Plus if we load up on offense you can always unload a player for a d-man.

[LastPommerFan]

I like Monahan better.

 

He's bigger, he scored similar numbers, but he didn't have a top 3 draft pick at right wing and played in the OHL. the 67's gutted the team in January, and Monahan had basically no supporting cast. If you look at the RW he finished the season with, Colorado 6th round pick Joseph Blandisi got way better after he moved to Ottawa from Owen Sound. Monahan is a Center proven to make the players around him better. McKinnon is a stud, but he's also on a Memorial Cup favorite with a top talent winger. This brings Nashville and Carolina and maybe Calgary into the mix for a trade. I'd like to see if we can move #16 up to 4-6 to and keep #8. Take Monahan and then the best available defenseman. If we have to trade #8 to get up there, we might be able to move Miller to Edmonton with #16 for #7. Surely McTavish will be looking to make a bold move, and dropping 9 spots to see what his kids can do with miller in net might be just that. Nashville might be looking for Vanek. They were dead last in the NHL in GF and could sorely use a guy like him.

[SabresBillsFan]

I like Monahan better.

 

He's bigger, he scored similar numbers, but he didn't have a top 3 draft pick at right wing and played in the OHL. the 67's gutted the team in January, and Monahan had basically no supporting cast. If you look at the RW he finished the season with, Colorado 6th round pick Joseph Blandisi got way better after he moved to Ottawa from Owen Sound. Monahan is a Center proven to make the players around him better. McKinnon is a stud, but he's also on a Memorial Cup favorite with a top talent winger. This brings Nashville and Carolina and maybe Calgary into the mix for a trade. I'd like to see if we can move #16 up to 4-6 to and keep #8. Take Monahan and then the best available defenseman. If we have to trade #8 to get up there, we might be able to move Miller to Edmonton with #16 for #7. Surely McTavish will be looking to make a bold move, and dropping 9 spots to see what his kids can do with miller in net might be just that. Nashville might be looking for Vanek. They were dead last in the NHL in GF and could sorely use a guy like him.

 

No more Defense please in the first two rounds. Look at the system they have no-one that really scares anyone up front. They need goal-scoring. You can always unload offensive players to acquire a d-man if needed.

[LastPommerFan]

No more Defense please in the first two rounds. Look at the system they have no-one that really scares anyone up front. They need goal-scoring. You can always unload offensive players to acquire a d-man if needed.

 

OK, lets trade up with one of the sunshine state teams and get Drouin and then move up to #7 and get Monahan. that would be my dream draft.

[LabattBlue]

OK, lets trade up with one of the sunshine state teams and get Drouin and then move up to #7 and get Monahan. that would be my dream draft.

"dream" being the key word. I would like to know the response from the Florida or Tampa GM if DR asked the question, what would it take for you to trade your 1st round pick? My guess as to the answer from both teams...pick is not on the table<click>.

[SabresBillsFan]

OK, lets trade up with one of the sunshine state teams and get Drouin and then move up to #7 and get Monahan. that would be my dream draft.

 

I don't see any of these teams in front of us trading down maybe except for Edmonton. They are the only team that needs defense real badly and possibly Carolina. But when you have a chance to grab some quality forwards as a team you grab them. I would rather be loaded up front on offense and trade one for a d-man if needed. If you look at the needs of almost every team that isn't great they lack scoring. Problem with Edmonton is they have some great young forwards but they didn't draft any d-man later on that stand out. But I think they can unload some current roster players to acquire some and still keep all that young talent.

[LastPommerFan]

"dream" being the key word. I would like to know the response from the Florida or Tampa GM if DR asked the question, what would it take for you to trade your 1st round pick? My guess as to the answer from both teams...pick is not on the table<click>.

 

I think getting to #2 or #3 involves trading Vanek to Nashville for #4 (nashville can't afford to rebuild, they need goals now, Vanek can provide that) then trading #16 and #4 together to get to #2. FLA at least considers it.

[Robviously]

I don't see any of these teams in front of us trading down maybe except for Edmonton. They are the only team that needs defense real badly and possibly Carolina. But when you have a chance to grab some quality forwards as a team you grab them. I would rather be loaded up front on offense and trade one for a d-man if needed. If you look at the needs of almost every team that isn't great they lack scoring. Problem with Edmonton is they have some great young forwards but they didn't draft any d-man later on that stand out. But I think they can unload some current roster players to acquire some and still keep all that young talent.

I think Carolina is our trade target.

 

We trade picks #8 and #16 (note to Minnesota: please lose) for #5 and their third rounder.

 

We get Lindholm at #5 (who immediately becomes our best prospect) and they get a defenseman they need at #8 along with another quality prospect at #16. I'd like the third rounder just to have another pick there (goaltending?) but it's more like a starting point they could negotiate us down from.

[TrueBlueGED]

I think getting to #2 or #3 involves trading Vanek to Nashville for #4 (nashville can't afford to rebuild, they need goals now, Vanek can provide that) then trading #16 and #4 together to get to #2. FLA at least considers it.

 

Imagine how nice the roster could look if we had earned the #2-3 spot to draft MacKinnon while getting to keep Vanek :angel:

 

Seriously though, it's so incredibly unrealistic to think about getting into the top-3 I don't think it merits much discussion or many brain cells to think about.

 

I think a realistic scenario could be to just swap spots with Edmonton to secure Lindolm or Monahan at #7. Logic: Edmonton desperately needs defense, and we desperately need forwards, and it's only 1 spot where we won't take their player so the price wouldn't be huge. Now you may be wondering, if Edmonton needs defense then why not just stay at #8, allowing them to take defense and us grab the forward? Because if we don't move up, I think there's at least a reasonable chance New Jersey does (or tries, anyway). Without Parise, they showed this year they're Kovalchuk or bust, and they might lose Clarkson to free agency, so I have to imagine getting some immediate help up front will be a priority for them.

[CallawaySabres]

I think getting to #2 or #3 involves trading Vanek to Nashville for #4 (nashville can't afford to rebuild, they need goals now, Vanek can provide that) then trading #16 and #4 together to get to #2. FLA at least considers it.

 

Buffalo is actually the team that can ill afford the rebuild (not Nashville). The atmosphere in the Nashville arena dwarfs that of Buffalo and with the way things are going to be here over the next 2 years, ughhhh, I shudder to even think about game day experiences. When Vanek is gone and Miller is not saving the defense, we are REALLY going to see what things look like from the bottom. Yes, it has to be done but my God, how is Regier getting the green light to do it......

[LabattBlue]

I think Carolina is our trade target.

 

We trade picks #8 and #16 (note to Minnesota: please lose) for #5 and their third rounder.

 

We get Lindholm at #5 (who immediately becomes our best prospect) and they get a defenseman they need at #8 along with another quality prospect at #16. I'd like the third rounder just to have another pick there (goaltending?) but it's more like a starting point they could negotiate us down from.

Sorry but I'll stick to my guns that the Sabres should NOT trade up. For a team that is really hurting for top 6 talent on the big club and throughout the system, I don't want to give up the 16th overall pick to move up 3 spots, and select a guy who may not be graded much differently from the player picked 8th.

 

I think getting to #2 or #3 involves trading Vanek to Nashville for #4 (nashville can't afford to rebuild, they need goals now, Vanek can provide that) then trading #16 and #4 together to get to #2. FLA at least considers it.

Nashville doesn't do it, and neither do I.

[TrueBlueGED]

I think Carolina is our trade target.

 

We trade picks #8 and #16 (note to Minnesota: please lose) for #5 and their third rounder.

 

We get Lindholm at #5 (who immediately becomes our best prospect) and they get a defenseman they need at #8 along with another quality prospect at #16. I'd like the third rounder just to have another pick there (goaltending?) but it's more like a starting point they could negotiate us down from.

 

I think Carolina is the highest we could realistically trade up to. And I know they need defense badly and are likely to draft a defender if they trade down, but I can't help but wonder if they'd rather have one of our defenseman or stay at home prospects instead of both of our 1st round picks. I was thinking along the lines of #8 and Sekera.

[Robviously]

Sorry but I'll stick to my guns that the Sabres should NOT trade up. For a team that is really hurting for top 6 talent on the big club and throughout the system, I don't want to give up the 16th overall pick to move up 3 spots, and select a guy who may not be graded much differently from the player picked 8th.

The risk is that all six of the best forwards (MacKinnon, Drouin, Barkov, Lindholm, Nichushkin, and Monahan) could all be gone by the time we draft at #8. At that point we're stuck taking a defenseman because there's a pretty noticeable drop-off in forwards after that (unless you want another Ennis in Shinkaruk). Or we end up with Nichushkin who isn't a lock to ever come over to the NHL at all.

 

I'd rather trade up to get the one right guy than have two rolls of the dice with later picks.

[SabresBillsFan]

Sorry but I'll stick to my guns that the Sabres should NOT trade up. For a team that is really hurting for top 6 talent on the big club and throughout the system, I don't want to give up the 16th overall pick to move up 3 spots, and select a guy who may not be graded much differently from the player picked 8th.

 

 

Nashville doesn't do it, and neither do I.

 

I'm in total agreement I save all 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and grab as much talent up front as possible.

[Robviously]

I think Carolina is the highest we could realistically trade up to. And I know they need defense badly and are likely to draft a defender if they trade down, but I can't help but wonder if they'd rather have one of our defenseman or stay at home prospects instead of both of our 1st round picks. I was thinking along the lines of #8 and Sekera.

I would make this trade so fast that it would break the sound barrier.

 

The Sabres absolutely need to be aggressive on draft day. Find a way to move up. Any way to make that happen should be considered.

[SabresBillsFan]

The risk is that all six of the best forwards (MacKinnon, Drouin, Barkov, Lindholm, Nichushkin, and Monahan) could all be gone by the time we draft at #8. At that point we're stuck taking a defenseman because there's a pretty noticeable drop-off in forwards after that (unless you want another Ennis in Shinkaruk). Or we end up with Nichushkin who isn't a lock to ever come over to the NHL at all.

 

I'd rather trade up to get the one right guy than have two rolls of the dice with later picks.

 

I think almost all of us would but I don't want to unload alot to move up just a few picks when you can draft 4 players in the top 50. Plus this team doesn't need need to worry about defense right now. This team needs offense. This is like beating a dead horse but all the team's besides Philly lack firepower up front and if you look at our system. We lack offense in a major way!

[LGR4GM]

as I have said for over a month now, Sean Monahan is the target and I think we need to be 6th to get him unless all the stars align.

 

Here it is my pre lottery draft predictions.

 

2013 NHL Draft: Some changes will be made in the order based on what my speculations are about the lottery and trades.

1) Colorado: Seth Jones, RD

The Avalanche will win the lottery and move up to #1. They need at every position. I think considering how appalling their defense is that they take the safe bet.

 

2) Florida: Nathan MacKinnon, C

Disappointed at losing out on Jones a weak Florida team will grab the RH center. I was tempted to say Drouin with this pick but I think with the imminent departure of Weiss they will take a center.

 

3) Tampa Bay: Darnell Nurse, LD

Boasting an aging defensive group that frankly wasn’t that good, the Lightning grab a guy who can immediately help their blueline and is going to grow into a corner stone on their defensive end.

 

4) Nashville: Jonathan Drouin, LW

Agile and gifted this kid has the offensive skills to help one of the weakest offensive teams in the entire league. It slots right into their lineup and they never look back.

 

5) Carolina: Valery Nichushkin, C

I was tempted to change this but I still the Canes taking the skilled Russian and not worrying that it will be a couple years before they see him. They are better than they played this past season and he gives them even more firepower up front.

 

6) Calgary: Sasha Barkov, C

In complete disarray and looking like a joke, the Flames take the best center left and build around him for their long and much needed overhaul.

 

7) Edmonton: Rasmus Ristolainen, RD

With a plethora of forwards and a lackluster defense they take the talented Finn who is considered an all-around player and could make the lineup this upcoming year. Already playing against men, he has shown that he is a good puck mover and strong on his skates.

 

8) Buffalo: Sean Monahan, C

No surprises here, if Monahan is available then the Sabres are taking him. A big center with a lot of skills including leadership, he is a piece you can build a cup a team around and will give us more center depth.

 

9) New Jersey: Elias Lindholm, C

With their forwards all up for contracts pretty much the Devils will grab a top flight center to help begin to replace Parise and eventually Elias. The Swedish center will fill a big gap in their top 6 in a few years.

 

10) Dallas: Bo Horvat, C

Looking to shore up a weak defense and desperately wanting a center, the stars take the big 200lb Bo of the London Knights. He should contribute in a year or so and fits Dallas well.

 

11) Philadelphia: Nikita Zadarov, LD

Pleased that the large defender dropped to them, the Flyers take this tank to bolster a blue line that makes swiss cheese look solid.

 

12) Buffalo via Phoenix: Hunter Shinkaruk, LW

Phoenix trades down? What is he thinking? Well Buffalo gives them the 15^th overall pick and St Louis 2^nd round pick. Phoenix adds a pick and doesn’t move down too far. They draft Ryan Pulock. Shinkaruk all though not overly large and playing a wing we have covered, is very skilled and is a future replacement for the aging and possibly leaving Thomas Vanek.

 

13) Winnipeg: Fredrik Gauthier, C

Still trying to build a team the Jets will look to add someone whose size and skill up the middle will help to get them to the next level. Solid pick still a couple years away.

 

14) Columbus: Anthony Mantha, RW

With a multitude of picks in the 1^st and 2^nd I would not be surprised if they moved up. Barring that they don’t they will take a big rugged winger to add to a talent pool that looks poised to push this team into playoff contention.

even why I did this it is hard for me to realisticaly believe that 2 defenders will go in the top 3 and 3 will go before we pick at 8. That is the only way the math works out unless someone really likes Lindholm and he goes before we pick, that also drops Monahan to us

[Eleven]

as I have said for over a month now, Sean Monahan is the target and I think we need to be 6th to get him unless all the stars align.

 

 

even why I did this it is hard for me to realisticaly believe that 2 defenders will go in the top 3 and 3 will go before we pick at 8. That is the only way the math works out unless someone really likes Lindholm and he goes before we pick, that also drops Monahan to us

 

Didn't your own mock draft from a couple of days ago have him falling to 8?

[SabresBillsFan]

as I have said for over a month now, Sean Monahan is the target and I think we need to be 6th to get him unless all the stars align.

 

 

even why I did this it is hard for me to realisticaly believe that 2 defenders will go in the top 3 and 3 will go before we pick at 8. That is the only way the math works out unless someone really likes Lindholm and he goes before we pick, that also drops Monahan to us

 

Drouin gets picked 3rd! They can move someone to acquire a d-man. Plus Vinny status is uncertain and St Louis is no spring chicken.

 

1. Colorado-- Jones

2. Florida-- MacKinnon or Drouin

3. Tampa Bay- Mackinnon or Drouin which every isn't picked at 2

4. Nashville-- Barkov

5. Carolina-- Nurse or Rasmus Ristolainen but possibly even Domi yes first real wildcard

6. Calgary-- Nichushkin

7. Edmonton-- What ever Defense isn't chosen between Nurse and Ristolainen

8. Buffalo-- Monahan at least that's what I'm hoping for