Sabres Prospects 2016-17

[Hoss]

Here is this year's list. As always, I'm open to discussion and moving on some guys. Last year's list was 35 players deep but this one comes in at 41. All sizes have been updated either as whatever the Sabres list them as or, if they aren't on the Sabres site yet, whatever EliteProspects.com has them listed as. Added notes to some and previous ranking to all. I hope to update this more often if there is interest. Kris Baker, the go-to on Sabres prospects, may be releasing his new depth chart tonight which I will take into account.

Ages listed are the age they will be come mid-October (NHL season start).

 

Graduated: Jack Eichel, Samson Reinhart, Schaller (25), Jack Nevins (let go), Colin Jacobs (let go), Alex Guptill (let go), Nathan Lieuwen (let go/25)

 

The list features seven Swedes, 14 Americans, 16 Canadians, two Czechs, one Russian

ten left wingers, seven centers, seven right wingers, 12 defenseman, four goalies  (counted Nylander as RW due to handedness and Asplund as center)

 

Prospect Information
Updated 7/17/2016

Prospect - A player under 25 who has not yet acquired a permanent spot at the NHL level and who's expected ceiling is at the NHL level. Once a player has played a full season at the NHL level, and is not expected to have to earn a spot in the following year, then they are no longer a prospect.



(1) Alex Nylander
RW/LW, 18, 6-0 184, Swedish

Player Type: Skilled play-making forward (RH)
Current League: SHL (AHL Eligible = 2016 - 2017 season)
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Drafted 2016 Rd.1 (Pick 8)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: Son of Michael and brother of William; was on loan to CHL so can play in AHL immediately.

 

(2) Jimmy Vesey
Left Wing, 23, 6-2 201, American

Player Type: Scoring forward (LH)
Current League: NHL/AHL
Contract: Unsigned (UFA August 15, 2016)
Acquired: Trade from Nashville 2016

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: Last year's Hobey Baker (NCAA MVP) winner and the runner-up the year before when Eichel won it

 

(3) Brendan Guhle
Defenseman, 18, 6-2 188, Canadian

Player Type: Physical Two-Way Defenseman (LH)
Current League: WHL - Prince Albert Raiders (AHL Eligible = 2017 - 2018 season)
Contract: Entry Level = 3 years left, then RFA 2019

Acquired: Drafted 2015 Rd. 2 (Pick 51)

Previous rank: 7

Notes: A surprise invite to Canada's WJC camp kicked off a big step forward for Guhle

 

(4) Justin Bailey
Right Wing, 21, 6-3 210, American

Player Type: Speedy Power-Forward (RH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 2 Years Left, then RFA 2018
Acquired: Drafted 2013 Rd.2 (Pick 52)

Previous rank: 6

Notes: Local kid's name is also a cheat code in Metroid game that reveals Samus' bikini outfit

(5) Hudson Fasching
Right Wing, 19, 6-2 216, American

Player Type: Power Forward (RH)
Current League: AHL/NHL
Contract: Entry Level = 2 Years Left, then RFA 2018
Acquired: Trade with Kings (Drafted 2013 - Rd.4)

Previous rank: 3

Notes: Thomas Vanek compared Fasching to himself as a net-front presence

 

(6) Cal Petersen
Goalie, 21, 6-2 182, American

Current League: NCAA - Univ. of Notre Dame (Junior)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 1 more year while in NCAA
​Acquired: Draft 2013 Rd.5 (Pick 129)

Previous rank: 9

Notes: Set NCAA record with 87 saves in a five-OT game

 

(7) Rasmus Asplund
Center/Left Wing, 18, 5-11 180, Swedish

Player Type: Two-way Skill Forward (LH)
Current League: SHL (AHL Eligible 2016-2017 season)
Contract: Unsigned (2 Years on SHL deal)
Acquired: Drafted 2016 Rd.2 (Pick 33)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: GMTM specifically traded up in the second to land Asplund who he had rated as a five prospect

 

 

(8) Nicholas Baptiste
Right Wing, 20, 6-1 203, Canadian

Player Type: Scorer/Physical Two-Way Forward (RH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 2 Years Left, then RFA 2018

Previous rank: 5
Acquired: Drafted 2013 Rd.3 (Pick 69)

 

(9) Linus Ullmark
Goalie, 23, 6-4 212, Swedish

Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 1 Year Left, then RFA 2017
​Acquired: Draft 2012 Rd.6 (Pick 163)

Previous rank: 8

 

(10) Casey Nelson
Defenseman, 24, 6-2 183, American

Player Type: Offensive defenseman (RH)
Current League: AHL/NHL
Contract: RFA 2016
Acquired: College free agent (2016)

Previous rank: N/A

 

(11) Cliff Pu
Right Wing, 18, 6-1 185, Canadian

Player Type: Scoring Forward
Current League: OHL - London Knights (AHL Eligible = 2018 - 2019)
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Drafted 2016 Rd.3 (Pick 69)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: Raved about on draft night with expected expanded role in London; name pronounced "Poo"

 

(12) Will Borgen
Defenseman, 19, 6-2 188, American

Player Type: Puck-moving defenseman (RH)
Current League: NCAA - St. Cloud State (Sophomore)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 2 more years while in NCAA

Previous rank: 16
Acquired: Draft 2015 Rd.4 (Pick 92)

 

(13) Eric Cornel

Center, 20, 6-2 191, Canadian

Player Type: Two-Way Forward (RH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 3 Years Left, then RFA 2019
Acquired: Draft 2014 Rd.2 (Pick 44)

Previous rank: 14

Notes: Increased production by 12-16-28 if GP equal (2-19-21 over 2013)

 

 

(14) William Carrier

Left Wing, 21, 6-1 204, Canadian

Player Type: Two-Way Forward (LH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 2 Years Left, then RFA 2018
Acquired: Trade with Blues (Drafted 2013 - Rd.2)

Previous rank: 15

Notes: Only top-20 player on this list eligible for expansion draft

 

(15) Giorgio Estephan

Center, 19, 6-0 196, Canadian

Player Type: Playmaking center (RH)
Current League: WHL - Lethbridge Hurricanes (AHL Eligible 2017 - 2018 season)
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Draft 2015 Rd. 6 (Pick 152)

Previous rank: 25

Notes: Increased production by 10-20-30 if GP is equal

 

(16) Brycen Martin

Defenseman, 20, 6-2 199, Canadian

Player Type: Offensive Defensemen (LH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 3 Years Left, then RFA 2019

Previous rank: 10
Acquired: Drafted 2014 Rd.3 (Pick 74)

 

(17) Casey Fitzgerald

Defenseman, 19, 5-11 180, American

Player Type: Physical Defensemen (LH)
Current League: NCAA - Boston College (Sophomore)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 3 more years while in NCAA
​Acquired: Draft 2016 Rd.3 (Pick 86)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: Son of NHLer Tom Fitzgerald, cousin of Kevin/Jimmy Hayes and Keith Tkachuk.

 

(18) Evan Rodrigues

Right Wing, 23, 5-11 174, Canadian

Player Type: Skill Forward (LH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: 1 Year Left, then RFA 2017
Acquired: Free Agent (2015)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: Only prospects besides Eichel to make debut as Sabres prospect last year and play in NHL

 

(19) Connor Hurley
Center, 21, 6-2 178, American

Player Type: Playmaker (LH)
Current League: NCAA – University of Notre Dame (Junior)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 2 more years while in NCAA
Acquired: Drafted 2013 Rd.2 (Pick 38)

Previous rank: 11

 

(20) Victor Olofsson
Right Wing, 21, 5-11 173, Swedish

Player Type: Scorer (LH)
Current League: SHL - Frolunda
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 1 more year
Acquired: Draft 2014 Rd.7 (Pick 181)

Previous rank: 21

Notes: Will be playing with Frolunda after spending his entire career in MODO system.

 

(21) Anthony Florentino

Defenseman, 21, 6-1 207, American

Player Type: Physical Two-Way Defensemen (RH)
Current League: NCAA - Providence College (Senior)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 1 more year while in NCAA

​Acquired: Draft 2013 Rd.5 (Pick 143)

Previous rank: 12

 

(22) Jean Dupuy
Left Wing, 22, 6-3 205, Canadian

Player Type: Grinder (LH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: 1 Year Left, then RFA 2017
Acquired: Free Agent (2014)

Previous rank: 13

 

(23) Brett Murray
Left Wing, 18, 6-5 195, Canadian

Player Type: Power Forward (LH)
Current League: NCAA - Penn State
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 4 more years while in NCAA
Acquired: Draft 2016 Rd.4 (Pick 99)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: First Penn State player drafted in Pegula era, tallest skater on list.

 

(24) Jonas Johansson

Goalie, 21, 6-4 206, Swedish

Current League: SHL - Brynas
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned for one more year
​Acquired: Draft 2014 Rd.3 (Pick 61)

Previous rank: 26

 

(25) Jason Kasdorf

Goalie, 24, 6-4 201, Canadian

Current League: AHL
Contract: RFA 2016
Acquired: Trade with Jets (Drafted 2011 - Rd.6)

Previous rank: 29

Notes: Likely AHL backup this year

 

(26) Devante Stephens
Defenseman, 19, 6-2 172, Canadian

Player Type: Two-Way Defenseman (LH)
Current League: WHL - Kelowna Rockets (AHL Eligible = 2017 - 2018 season)
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Drafted 2015 Rd.5 (Pick 122)

Previous rank: 24

 

(27) Vaclav Karabacek
Left Wing, 20, 6-0 199, Czech

Player Type: Scorer (LH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 3 Years Left, then RFA 2019
Acquired: Draft 2014 Rd.2 (Pick 49)

Previous rank: 17

 

(28) Vojtech Budik

Defenseman, 18, 6-1 185, Czech

Player Type: Two-Way Defenseman (LH)
Current League: WHL - Prince Albert Raiders
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Drafted 2016 Rd.5 (Pick 130)

Previous rank: N/A

 

(29) Gustav Possler
Left Wing, 21, 6-0 183, Swedish

Player Type: Scorer (LH)
Current League: SHL - MODO
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned for 1 more year
Acquired: Draft 2013 Rd.5 (Pick 130)

Previous rank: 18

Notes: Will join Djurgardens after being in the MODO system.

 

(30) Sean Malone
Center, 21, 6-0 190, American

Player Type: Two-Way Forward (LH)
Current League: NCAA – Harvard (Junior)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 1 more year while in NCAA
Acquired: Drafted 2013 Rd.6 (Pick 159)

Previous rank: 20

Notes: Disappointed this year at Harvard after stepping up in 2014-15, expanded role expected

 

(31) Philip Nyberg
Defenseman, 19, 6-3 192, Swedish

Player Type: Smooth-skating Defenseman (RH)
Current League: NCAA - Wisconsin Badgers
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 4 more years while in NCAA
Acquired: Draft 2016 Rd.5 (Pick 129)

Previous rank: N/A

 

(32) Dan Catenacci
Left Wing, 23, 5-9 191, Canadian

Player Type: Scorer (LH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: RFA 2016
Acquired: Draft 2011 Rd.3 (Pick 77)

Previous rank: 23

Notes: Made NHL debut this year with 11 games played

 

(33) Max Willman

Left Wing, 20, 6-0 183, American

Player Type: Two-Way Forward (LH)
Current League: NCAA – Brown Univ (Sophomore)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned while in NCAA
Acquired: Drafted 2014 Rd.5 (Pick 121)

Previous rank: 31

 

(34) Brandon Hagel

Left Wing, 18, 6-0 183, Canadian

Player Type: Energy/play-making forward (LH)
Current League: WHL - Red Deer Rebels
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Drafted 2016 Rd.6 (Pick 159)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: Third-highest scoring forward for Rebels in rookie season

 

(35) Ivan Chukarov

Defenseman, 21, 6-2 203, American

Player Type: Offensive defenseman (LH)
Current League: NCAA – UMass (Freshman)
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 3 more years while in NCAA
Acquired: Drafted 2015 Rd.7 (Pick 182)

Previous rank: 32

 

(36) Austin Osmanski
Defenseman, 18, 6-4 193, American

Player Type: Shut-down (LH)
Current League: OHL - Mississauga Steelheads
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Drafted 2016 Rd.7 (Pick 189)

Previous rank: N/A

Notes: East Aurora native was tabbed early as a high-potential player but didn't impress before draft

 

(37) Vasily Glotov
Left Wing, 19, 5-11 180, Russian

Player Type: Scoring Forward (LH)
Current League: MHL - Serebryanye
Contract: Unsigned
Acquired: Drafted 2016 Rd.7 (Pick 190)

Previous rank: N/A

 

(38) Christopher Brown
Center, 20, 6-0 179, American

Player Type: Scorer/Playmaker (RH)
Current League: NCAA - Boston College
Contract: Unsigned = Rights owned 2 more years while in NCAA
Acquired: Drafted 2014 Rd.6 (Pick 151)

Previous rank: 27

Notes: Considered an offensive player, Brown only notched 11 points in 41 games at BC

 

(39) Brady Austin
Defenseman, 23, 6-3 227, Canadian

Player Type: Defensive Defensemen (LH)
Current League: AHL
Contract: Entry Level = 1 Year Left, then RFA 2017
Acquired: Drafted 2012 Rd.7 (Pick 193)

Previous rank: 30

Notes: 2015-16 was his first year since 2011-12 with one team all season.

 

(40) Justin Kea
Center, 22, 6-4 223, Canadian

Player Type: Grinder/Two Way Forward (LH)
Current League: AHL/ECHL
Contract: Entry Level = 1 Year Left, then RFA 2017
Acquired: Drafted 2012 Rd.3 (Pick 73)

Previous rank: 28

Edited July 17, 2016 by Hoss

[Taro T]

Hoss, Q about Carrier.

 

We know he's exposable to the expansion draft, but if he has 2 years left on his ELC, why is that? (Haven't looked closely @ the expansion draft criteria; not disputing, just curious.)

[Hoss]

Carrier still has two years on his ELC because his first year in the AHL didn't count and he could slide the contract back one year (players under 20 can slide their contract back if they play in the AHL and don't surpass nine NHL games).

This is a pretty rare scenario as most players don't get to the AHL until they're 20, but Carrier had four seasons in the Q so he could come for his age 19 season.

 

That's why the league can't simply say players on their entry-level contracts are exempt.

 

(Made an edit because his first AHL year wasn't Rochester and the wording was weird)

Edited June 26, 2016 by Hoss

[Taro T]

Carrier still has two years on his ELC because his first year in Rochester allowed it to slide back one (players under 20 can slide their contract back if they play in the AHL and don't surpass nine NHL games).

This is a pretty rare scenario as most players don't get to the AHL until they're 20, but Carrier had four seasons in the Q so he could come for his age 19 season.

 

That's why the league can't simply say players on their entry-level contracts are exempt.

:thumbsup:

 

:beer:

[dudacek]

Nice work Hoss.

Whatever happened to Numark anyway?

Another casualty of the tank?

 

Could argue with some of the lower rankings but that's quibbling.

Higher up:

* Brycen Martin is significantly too high, IMO. Guy is an ELC-and-done Amerk, whereas at least a half-dozen guys behind will get a sniff.

* Petersen's ranking is surprising, but not out line. I think the kid could dominate college this year.

* I can see why you wouldn't include Vesey, but based on the criteria, he should be there. Our property, under 25, hasn't made it.

He should be slotted at number two.

Edited June 26, 2016 by dudacek

[Hoss]

To be honest, I forgot about Vesey when making the list. It's weird to view him as just a prospect with all the hype and time separated from his draft season.

Martin is certainly too high, I think I just got too lazy to move him. I disagree that's he definitely going to be ELC and done but I also know I've liked him more than most for a while. Will drop him.

 

Edit: Dropped him six spots. I feel comfortable with him there, but I can see why others might have him lower.

 

Vesey added at number two. The list feels good now with Cliff Pu rounding out the top ten. All players in the top ten are players I'm confident have NHL futures.

There are some at the very end of the list that I just didn't care to put much thought into (specifically 37-42) because I don't think any of them have even a slight NHL chance. Willing to move some around with input.

 

I suspect we'll be subtracting from this list soon when some RFAs are not qualified and when some others are possibly involved in trades. I don't think there will be many added to the list. I don't see this list getting much smaller in the next year beyond that, though, as Vesey is the only one I'm fully confident will graduate (if signed). Bailey, Fasching and Guhle COULD but I still see their odds as more likely to see AHL/CHL time.

Edited June 27, 2016 by Hoss

[3putt]

No Nelson?

[dudacek]

No Nelson?

Another one. We sure aren't lacking in quantity.

This thread is good evidence Murray is right to be trading quantity for quality.

 

Nelson between Carrier and Florentino?

[3putt]

I think you have to put him above Cornel and Borgen. He may slide into Pysyks spot.

Edited June 27, 2016 by 3putt

[Thorner]

When drafting a CHL player, like Stephens, I know we have their rights for 2 years after selecting them. What about guys like Possler? Says we have his rights on here for another year, he was drafted in 2013. Then there's Oloffson, also a MODO player, drafted in 2014, listed as that we have his rights for one more year as well. The only rights rules I'm specifically aware of are that for CHL players and College guys.

 

Edit - the "Notes" for Pu is funny

[3putt]

I thought euros were 4 years, depending on the NHL agreement with their leagues.

[Thorner]

I thought euros were 4 years, depending on the NHL agreement with their leagues.

This could be true. Maybe Oloffson's rights are actually held till 2018, or he's under a different standard for some reason.

[Hoss]

On the rights I wasn't 100% sure. I had Olofsson down as one more year last year but haven't heard anything about urgency to sign him or what the case may be.

 

Also did indeed forget Nelson. This is what I get for just pasting last year and doing it off memory. Thank god I remember Alex Guptill, though, right!?

[Thorner]

On the rights I wasn't 100% sure. I had Olofsson down as one more year last year but haven't heard anything about urgency to sign him or what the case may be.

Also did indeed forget Nelson. This is what I get for just pasting last year and doing it off memory. Thank god I remember Alex Guptill, though, right!?

3putt is probably right that the rights for Euros are held for 4 years.

 

Anyways, great job on the list, Hoss. It provides a nice go to resource.

[rakish]

I like Borgen (because he played WJC last season) and Martin (because he's both big and scores) more than you, but other than that, it's fairly close to how I look at it.

[Rasmus_]

Borgen seems a tad bit low, but the rest seems fair.  

[thewookie1]

GJ Hoss

[North Buffalo]

You left off Casey Nelson I think

[North Buffalo]

Also keep an eye on Chewy at UMass this year, good skater, helluv a shot, needs to work on physicality but is a big guy 6'3+

[Hoss]

I like Borgen (because he played WJC last season) and Martin (because he's both big and scores) more than you, but other than that, it's fairly close to how I look at it.

The only players I would think to move Borgen above are Pu, Ullmark and Nelson. There's probably a decent argument to do so but I'll keep him as is right now.

[Koomkie]

I cannot believe Pu is only 6'1". The guy looks like a giant out there. I am very excited to see whathe turns in to.

[kas23]

I cannot believe Pu is only 6'1". The guy looks like a giant out there. I am very excited to see whathe turns in to.

He'll need to bulk up, but if he's molded correctedly, I'm sure he'll make a big splash.

Edited June 28, 2016 by kas23

[dudacek]

I mentioned it on his draft thread, but I could not believe how good Pu's highlight package looked.

I recognize it shows nothing of his shift-to-shift, game-to-game effectiveness, but damn, that mix of size, speed and skill is way beyond what you usually see in a third-rounder.

I will be watching this guy.

[3putt]

Murray said in an interview that LA was the model not Chicago. Rounds 1 and 2 were Chicago like picks but Pu seems like a Pearson Toffoli type. Very interesting.

[Thorner]

I mentioned it on his draft thread, but I could not believe how good Pu's highlight package looked.

I recognize it shows nothing of his shift-to-shift, game-to-game effectiveness, but damn, that mix of size, speed and skill is way beyond what you usually see in a third-rounder.

I will be watching this guy.

I knew nothing about him heading in, and all I'm hearing now from various outlets is how big of a steal he was.

 

I really like the chances that Murray knocked this draft out of the park.