2013 NHL Entry Draft: Buffalo Sabres Select...

[TrueBlueGED]

If the Rags want to get rid of Richards for nothing, why not throw a mid-round pick to them for him?

 

I have zero interest in taking on that contract. I honestly didn't think his play would deteriorate as fast as it has as soon as it has. He's playing like a broken Derek Roy.

[thewookie1]

Target both. Edmonton needs to take that next big step soon, they maybe willing to overpay for that big piece of their puzzle. A Miller trade will be crucial to the Sabres rebuild, the return needs to be significant. Much more than what the Sabres received for Pominville, maybe more than a return for Thomas Vanek.

 

Here's an idea:

 

10% Miller

10% Vanek

2013 1st rounder (#16)

2014 2nd rounder

 

to Edmonton

 

for

 

2013 1st Rounder (#7)

2014 3rd Rounder

2015 3rd Rounder

Jordan Eberle

Another body

 

Buffalo gets 1 very good prospect, and the 7th overall this year thus moving up in the draft and turning the franchise around entirely

 

Edmonton gets much needed veteran presence along with a ticket seller of a trade.

[LGR4GM]

Here it is my post lottery draft predictions.

 

2013 NHL Draft: Order based on current rankings without 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: Jonathan Drouin, LW

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

 

4) Nashville: Sasha Barkov, C

In desperate need of scoring and a good strong Center you could build around, the Preds take Barkov. He will help them recover from the losses on defense and an aging and somewhat under-talented center core.

 

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: Sean Monahan, C

One of the most mismanaged teams in the NHL, if Monahan is available then the Flames 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 more center depth to a team that is frankly without a clear direction.

 

7) Edmonton: Darnelle Nurse, LD

Seriously lacking defense and with a compliment of forwards that is going to be impressive, the Oilers take who they consider the best defender left in the draft and take the puck mover with size. Still growing into his 6'4" frame, Nurse should be a top 4 defender in the NHL which is exactly what Edmonton needs.

 

8) Buffalo: Elias Lindholm, C

With numerous Mocks having us take everyone from 2 defenders to Fucale in the 1st I say Bull$#!t. The Sabres take the Swedish Center. With a solid 2-way game and good hands, skating, size this Swede is not afraid to use his body or be physical. I still hope for Monahan to fall to us but for my final I am preparing for this eventuality. Either way Lindholm is as much a prize as Monahan and will solidify a center core that has look like Hufflepuffs quiditch team for the better part of a decade. Considered excellent in the corners and on the back check he is predicted to a be a PPG player and a #1 center in the NHL.

http://lastwordonsports.com/2013/04/13/elias-lindholm-2013-nhl-draft-player-profile-5/

 

9) New Jersey: Bo Horvat, C

Looking to shore up a weak center and desperately wanting a center, the Devils take the big 200lb Bo of the London Knights. He should contribute in a year or so and fits Jersey well. Adding size and a scoring touch to a team that needs it badly.

 

10) Dallas: Rasmus Ristolainen, RD

This Finish has good size at 6'3" 207lbs but he also has a good puck handling ability and skating. He helps a Dallas team that is in transition. They are not bad but they are not good. Absolutely mediocre, Ristolainen will help all aspects of their game from Defense to PP.

 

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. At 6'5" 230lbs, this rock solid, good skating, hard hitting defenseman would probably go higher but he only has 1 season in the OHL since coming over from Russia. He will be a beast.

 

12) Phoenix: Hunter Shinkaruk, LW

Shinkaruk all though not overly large is very skilled. The speedy winger will help a Phoenix team that could use some more offense. They have decent size up front as is so I think they will take this kid because he will be good.

 

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. Should help a team that lacks depth down the middle.

 

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. Mantha at 6'4" 201lbs had 89pts with 50 goals in the Q. He will add to a young talent pool in columbus that looks to make them poised for a breakout year within the next 3.

 

15) New York Islanders: Ryan Pulock, RD

Falling a little on the rankings towards the end, this 6' 209lb kid has good hands and skates well. The Isles have some defensive issues and also some GT questions. As tempted as I was to slot Fucale into this spot I think they will draft a player that at one time was ranked 6th for N.A. Skaters.

 

16) Buffalo: Alexander Wennberg, C/LW

Hold on to your panties kids, this 6'1" Swedish prospect is good. Not as good as Lindholm but still a good skater and stick handler. He has good vision although not as a prolific scorer touch as Lindholm. He will fight to protect the puck but his main skill seems to really be his skating and ability to maintain balance. He is also fast on his skates and from the 4-5 different reports I have read is considered in the top 3-4 in terms of speed for this class. Considered a playmaker he also back checks well and is very sound defensively. The main criticism seems to be he needs to add some upper body strength and throw more hits.

http://lastwordonsports.com/2013/04/27/alexander-wennber-2013-nhl-draft-player-profile-18/

 

in the Video Wennberg is #10

[deluca67]

Here it is my post lottery draft predictions.

 

2013 NHL Draft: Order based on current rankings without 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: Jonathan Drouin, LW

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

 

4) Nashville: Sasha Barkov, C

In desperate need of scoring and a good strong Center you could build around, the Preds take Barkov. He will help them recover from the losses on defense and an aging and somewhat under-talented center core.

 

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: Sean Monahan, C

One of the most mismanaged teams in the NHL, if Monahan is available then the Flames 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 more center depth to a team that is frankly without a clear direction.

 

7) Edmonton: Darnelle Nurse, LD

Seriously lacking defense and with a compliment of forwards that is going to be impressive, the Oilers take who they consider the best defender left in the draft and take the puck mover with size. Still growing into his 6'4" frame, Nurse should be a top 4 defender in the NHL which is exactly what Edmonton needs.

 

8) Buffalo: Elias Lindholm, C

With numerous Mocks having us take everyone from 2 defenders to Fucale in the 1st I say Bull$#!t. The Sabres take the Swedish Center. With a solid 2-way game and good hands, skating, size this Swede is not afraid to use his body or be physical. I still hope for Monahan to fall to us but for my final I am preparing for this eventuality. Either way Lindholm is as much a prize as Monahan and will solidify a center core that has look like Hufflepuffs quiditch team for the better part of a decade. Considered excellent in the corners and on the back check he is predicted to a be a PPG player and a #1 center in the NHL.

http://lastwordonspo...ayer-profile-5/

 

9) New Jersey: Bo Horvat, C

Looking to shore up a weak center and desperately wanting a center, the Devils take the big 200lb Bo of the London Knights. He should contribute in a year or so and fits Jersey well. Adding size and a scoring touch to a team that needs it badly.

 

10) Dallas: Rasmus Ristolainen, RD

This Finish has good size at 6'3" 207lbs but he also has a good puck handling ability and skating. He helps a Dallas team that is in transition. They are not bad but they are not good. Absolutely mediocre, Ristolainen will help all aspects of their game from Defense to PP.

 

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. At 6'5" 230lbs, this rock solid, good skating, hard hitting defenseman would probably go higher but he only has 1 season in the OHL since coming over from Russia. He will be a beast.

 

12) Phoenix: Hunter Shinkaruk, LW

Shinkaruk all though not overly large is very skilled. The speedy winger will help a Phoenix team that could use some more offense. They have decent size up front as is so I think they will take this kid because he will be good.

 

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. Should help a team that lacks depth down the middle.

 

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. Mantha at 6'4" 201lbs had 89pts with 50 goals in the Q. He will add to a young talent pool in columbus that looks to make them poised for a breakout year within the next 3.

 

15) New York Islanders: Ryan Pulock, RD

Falling a little on the rankings towards the end, this 6' 209lb kid has good hands and skates well. The Isles have some defensive issues and also some GT questions. As tempted as I was to slot Fucale into this spot I think they will draft a player that at one time was ranked 6th for N.A. Skaters.

 

16) Buffalo: Alexander Wennberg, C/LW

Hold on to your panties kids, this 6'1" Swedish prospect is good. Not as good as Lindholm but still a good skater and stick handler. He has good vision although not as a prolific scorer touch as Lindholm. He will fight to protect the puck but his main skill seems to really be his skating and ability to maintain balance. He is also fast on his skates and from the 4-5 different reports I have read is considered in the top 3-4 in terms of speed for this class. Considered a playmaker he also back checks well and is very sound defensively. The main criticism seems to be he needs to add some upper body strength and throw more hits.

http://lastwordonspo...yer-profile-18/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hzRaJNl6Us

 

in the Video Wennberg is #10

Did you have Swedish meatballs for dinner last night?

 

A couple of smaller Europeans taken in the first round would not go over well with the masses. With so much size with talent available in the 1st round this season, the Sabres can do much better.

[LGR4GM]

Did you have Swedish meatballs for dinner last night?

 

A couple of smaller Europeans taken in the first round would not go over well with the masses. With so much size with talent available in the 1st round this season, the Sabres can do much better.

As I noted in my Draft I want Monahan (6' 2" 186lbs) at 8th but I think he may not fall. As for this mock, I am standing by it. If Wennberg falls to 16th, we should most definitely take him.

 

Elias Lindholm: 6' 192lbs (Compares to Forsberg)

Alexander Wennberg: 6' 1.5" 190lbs (Compares to Zetterberg)

[X. Benedict]

As I noted in my Draft I want Monahan (6' 2" 186lbs) at 8th but I think he may not fall. As for this mock, I am standing by it. If Wennberg falls to 16th, we should most definitely take him.

 

Elias Lindholm: 6' 192lbs (Compares to Forsberg)

Alexander Wennberg: 6' 1.5" 190lbs (Compares to Zetterberg)

 

I have a hunch Hunter Shinkaruk falls to 16, He'd be tough to pass on. I think he falls for the same reasons Teravainen fell out of the top 10 last year. About the same size and skill set too.

[Derrico]

I don't know Monaghan or Lindholm will be there when we pick is what worries me. I'd be happy to take Lindholm but by assuming he's there that means Nichushkin has to go before us and the 7th team (currently Edmonton) must take a D. I think Edmonton would but if Jersey is really anxious for a centre then I could see them pulling off a trade.

[X. Benedict]

I don't know Monaghan or Lindholm will be there when we pick is what worries me. I'd be happy to take Lindholm but by assuming he's there that means Nichushkin has to go before us and the 7th team (currently Edmonton) must take a D. I think Edmonton would but if Jersey is really anxious for a centre then I could see them pulling off a trade.

If I want a D man and I'm Edmonton I might consider trading down.

[dudacek]

I think that's a very realistic mock.

I would be happy with Lindholm at eight.

Wennberg is a decent pick at at 16, but too similar to Lindholm to go that way if Lindholm is our first pick.

Need to mix it up a bit more, I'd say.

[SabresBillsFan]

They can always grab a defenseman in round 2. This team needs scoring!

[TrueBlueGED]

Did you have Swedish meatballs for dinner last night?

 

A couple of smaller Europeans taken in the first round would not go over well with the masses. With so much size with talent available in the 1st round this season, the Sabres can do much better.

 

I'm not sure if this is ignorance or trolling, but it's pretty impressive either way.

[deluca67]

I'm not sure if this is ignorance or trolling, but it's pretty impressive either way.

I was going to be offended until I realized who the poster was. ;)

 

I take it you don't agree with the idea that a draft loaded with a lot of talented players with size at center and the blueline, it would be disappointing to come away with a couple of smaller European centers? Are we now pretending that this franchise doesn't already have an image problem?

[X. Benedict]

I was going to be offended until I realized who the poster was. ;)

 

I take it you don't agree with the idea that a draft loaded with a lot of talented players with size at center and the blueline, it would be disappointing to come away with a couple of smaller European centers? Are we now pretending that this franchise doesn't already have an image problem?

 

6"1" isn't small for a center. Is it?

[TrueBlueGED]

I was going to be offended until I realized who the poster was. ;)

 

I take it you don't agree with the idea that a draft loaded with a lot of talented players with size at center and the blueline, it would be disappointing to come away with a couple of smaller European centers? Are we now pretending that this franchise doesn't already have an image problem?

 

I couldn't possibly care less about any "image problem" the team has. I care about assembling a roster with enough talent to compete on a regular basis. I don't particularly care about the #16 pick--there's little prospect separation at that point and if you want to weigh size and physicality a little more heavy there, fine. But to pass up on Lindolm if he's there at 8 (which he won't be) just because he's not 6'3 225 would be an incredibly incompetent decision.

[X. Benedict]

I couldn't possibly care less about any "image problem" the team has. I care about assembling a roster with enough talent to compete on a regular basis. I don't particularly care about the #16 pick--there's little prospect separation at that point and if you want to weigh size and physicality a little more heavy there, fine. But to pass up on Lindolm if he's there at 8 (which he won't be) just because he's not 6'3 225 would be an incredibly incompetent decision.

I'd be delighted with Lindolm....I just don't know if he'll be there. But I'm open to finding the next Mats Sundin, as far as Swedes go.

[LGR4GM]

I couldn't possibly care less about any "image problem" the team has. I care about assembling a roster with enough talent to compete on a regular basis. I don't particularly care about the #16 pick--there's little prospect separation at that point and if you want to weigh size and physicality a little more heavy there, fine. But to pass up on Lindolm if he's there at 8 (which he won't be) just because he's not 6'3 225 would be an incredibly incompetent decision.

I would be interested to read someone elses mock for 1-8. Obviously this is all up in the air but it would be interesting to see how someone else on SS sees this going down.

[TrueBlueGED]

I would be interested to read someone elses mock for 1-8. Obviously this is all up in the air but it would be interesting to see how someone else on SS sees this going down.

 

Barring trades, my take isn't much different than yours. The only real change is I think Carolina takes Lindolm at 5, and Nichushkin is the last prime forward available for the Sabres at 8. Nurse/Ristolainen could be a toss-up at 7, but that really doesn't impact the Sabres.

[deluca67]

6"1" isn't small for a center. Is it?

There is some serious size available in the first round. If the Sabres are interested in a center Frederik Gauthier will be available, with some luck Sean Monahan will fall to #8. There are also as many as six blueliners 6' 2" and larger projected to go in the first round.

 

I couldn't possibly care less about any "image problem" the team has. I care about assembling a roster with enough talent to compete on a regular basis. I don't particularly care about the #16 pick--there's little prospect separation at that point and if you want to weigh size and physicality a little more heavy there, fine. But to pass up on Lindolm if he's there at 8 (which he won't be) just because he's not 6'3 225 would be an incredibly incompetent decision.

Adding another small forward to the mix would be the mistake.

[LGR4GM]

There is some serious size available in the first round. If the Sabres are interested in a center Frederik Gauthier will be available, with some luck Sean Monahan will fall to #8. There are also as many as six blueliners 6' 2" and larger projected to go in the first round.

 

Adding another small forward to the mix would be the mistake.

Lindholm and Wennberg are heavier than Monahan. That being said I could see Gauthier falling to 16 and he would be a good pick but at 8, thats a horrible draft. Gauthier predicts out to a top 6. Lindholm projects to #1 center. I'd take 6' 200lb Lindholm over 6'4" 225lb Gauthier (when both are filled out)

[TrueBlueGED]

There is some serious size available in the first round. If the Sabres are interested in a center Frederik Gauthier will be available, with some luck Sean Monahan will fall to #8. There are also as many as six blueliners 6' 2" and larger projected to go in the first round.

 

Adding another small forward to the mix would be the mistake.

 

Not if that "small" forward is a 1-2 tiers above the bigger forward in talent. We're not talking about a Gerbe-sized player here.

[deluca67]

Lindholm and Wennberg are heavier than Monahan. That being said I could see Gauthier falling to 16 and he would be a good pick but at 8, thats a horrible draft. Gauthier predicts out to a top 6. Lindholm projects to #1 center. I'd take 6' 200lb Lindholm over 6'4" 225lb Gauthier (when both are filled out)

An ideal draft for the Sabres, IMO, is Monahan at #8 and Gauthier at #16. You can never have too many centers. I agree, Gauthier isn't "value" at #8 as the draftniks refer to it. If Monahan is gone the Sabres should have a shot at one of Nurse, Ristolainen or Zardorov. I have no problem with the Sabres going blueline at #8.

 

Not if that "small" forward is a 1-2 tiers above the bigger forward in talent. We're not talking about a Gerbe-sized player here.

He would need to be a couple tiers above the 1-2 tiers you mentioned for me to be willing to forgo the size. We all have out preferences. I'm ready for a bigger, talented and tougher Buffalo Sabres team.

[Derrico]

I would be interested to read someone elses mock for 1-8. Obviously this is all up in the air but it would be interesting to see how someone else on SS sees this going down.

 

I feel like the 'Russian Factor' led to Grigs falling in last years draft. IMO there is way more of a Russian factor this year with Nichushkin and would be surprised he goes in the top 7. This is my best guess for the top 8:

 

1. Jones

2. MacKinnon

3. Drouin

4. Barkov

5. Lindholm

6. Monaghan

7. Nurse

 

Then at 8 I don't know where we go if those are the selections. I would very much prefer a forward but if the draft goes like this I wouldn't be opposed to taking Zadorov here. I really would like to see us trade up in this draft.

[TrueBlueGED]

He would need to be a couple tiers above the 1-2 tiers you mentioned for me to be willing to forgo the size. We all have out preferences. I'm ready for a bigger, talented and tougher Buffalo Sabres team.

 

Fixed for accuracy ;)

[deluca67]

Fixed for accuracy ;)

I keep forgetting that players with size, toughness AND talent remain a myth for some. Boy has Regier done a job on some.

 

I feel like the 'Russian Factor' led to Grigs falling in last years draft. IMO there is way more of a Russian factor this year with Nichushkin and would be surprised he goes in the top 7. This is my best guess for the top 8:

 

1. Jones

2. MacKinnon

3. Drouin

4. Barkov

5. Lindholm

6. Monaghan

7. Nurse

 

Then at 8 I don't know where we go if those are the selections. I would very much prefer a forward but if the draft goes like this I wouldn't be opposed to taking Zadorov here. I really would like to see us trade up in this draft.

Reading up on Zadorov I keep picturing a bigger Anton Volchenkov which the Sabres could certainly use.

[TrueBlueGED]

I keep forgetting that players with size, toughness AND talent remain a myth for some. Boy has Regier done a job on some.

 

They certainly do exist. That doesn't make your evaluation of this year's draft prospects anywhere near correct. 1-2 full tiers of talent is worth significantly more than 2 inches of height and 20 pounds of weight.