2025 NHL Entry Draft Thread

[Flashsabre]

For those of you that haven’t followed the draft or prospects this year Schaefer is the unanimous number one pick. 6’2 LHD that skates like Bobby Orr. He will be physical and his skating is sublime. It allows him to play all over the ice. He is a Makar like player. IF  the Sabres won the lottery you pick him no questions asked. You use your other dmen not named Dahlin to acquire offensive talent.

IF the Sabres are picking 2-4 then Misa, Hagens or Martone are there up front.

Always take the best player at the top of the draft and Schaefer is the unanimous number 1 pick.  
 

So sad we are still having these conversations year after year after year. Hopefully they aren’t picking this high again.

[LGR4GM]

32 minutes ago, Flashsabre said:

For those of you that haven’t followed the draft or prospects this year Schaefer is the unanimous number one pick. 6’2 LHD that skates like Bobby Orr. He will be physical and his skating is sublime. It allows him to play all over the ice. He is a Makar like player. IF  the Sabres won the lottery you pick him no questions asked. You use your other dmen not named Dahlin to acquire offensive talent.

IF the Sabres are picking 2-4 then Misa, Hagens or Martone are there up front.

Always take the best player at the top of the draft and Schaefer is the unanimous number 1 pick.  
 

So sad we are still having these conversations year after year after year. Hopefully they aren’t picking this high again.

Yea and Owen Power was too. 

[LGR4GM]

 

Schaefer has only played 19games this year. He's very young and somewhat raw still. He needs at least 1 more year in jrs and technically has to play 2 more before AHL eligibility. If you draft him. You keep Power for another year and look to trade him next summer. 

Schaefer is more physical, more aggressive, and more creative than Owen Power.

[Flashsabre]

5 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

 

Schaefer has only played 19games this year. He's very young and somewhat raw still. He needs at least 1 more year in jrs and technically has to play 2 more before AHL eligibility. If you draft him. You keep Power for another year and look to trade him next summer. 

Schaefer is more physical, more aggressive, and more creative than Owen Power.

I don’t think anyone from this draft is ready to step in next year to the NHL. Misa’s skating could let him stick but I don’t think it would be best for him and the others need more time for sure.

[LGR4GM]

21 minutes ago, Flashsabre said:

I don’t think anyone from this draft is ready to step in next year to the NHL. Misa’s skating could let him stick but I don’t think it would be best for him and the others need more time for sure.

I would not expect much immediate help from the draft, agreed.

[Thorner]

You don’t draft another D number one. Going LHD 3 straight times at #1 is absurd and a diluting of value. There are always exceptions to the rule: what if we finish last next year and top ranked prospect is a lhd again. Take him? Where’s the line? There’s a line.

Unless Schaefer is literally Orr or Makar, take the elite F with little gap. Maximize the value. You are trying to build a team - the presence of two 1s already on D allows us to allocate high value pick resources elsewhere - Byram at 3 overall looks good next to Dahlin, sure, and EVERYONE at any slot looks good next to Dahlin - that’s the point of a talent like Dahlin re: avenue to team building.

If Schaefer is NOT Makar, taking him just sets back the timeline yet again to the detriment of the ENTIRE roster (remember how one player can’t elevate a team? Pushing back timeline for one guy is nonsensical) if we are dealing out, say, Power as a repercussion. We are going to sell him at an early stage of development for pennies on the dollar. So you get a great prospect in Schaefer and some beans, likely

Or you keep Power, keep the timeline intact, understand your role as an organization in developing these players *and* reaping the benefits, have a dman probably not far off Schaefer, or at least anything he is in the near future, AND a swell F prospect instead of whatever the pennies on the dollar trade would have been that other GMs would know Adams is FORCED to make to balance the roster 

we want to saddle Adams willingly with the added difficulty of finding a trade? 

pass

Edited March 14 by Thorner

[LGR4GM]

6 minutes ago, Thorner said:

You don’t draft another D number one. Going LHD 3 straight times at #1 is absurd and a diluting of value. There are always exceptions to the rule: what if we finish last next year and top ranked prospect is a lhd again. Take him? Where’s the line? There’s a line.

Unless Schaefer is literally Orr or Makar, take the elite F with little gap. Maximize the value. You are trying to build a team - the presence of two 1s already on D allows us to allocate high value pick resources elsewhere - Byram at 3 overall looks good next to Dahlin, sure, and EVERYONE at any slot looks good next to Dahlin - that’s the point of a talent like Dahlin re: avenue to team building.

If Schaefer is NOT Makar, taking him just sets back the timeline yet again to the detriment of the ENTIRE roster (remember how one player can’t elevate a team? Pushing back timeline for one guy is nonsensical) if we are dealing out, say, Power as a repercussion. We are going to sell him at an early stage of development for pennies on the dollar. So you get a great prospect in Schaefer and some beans, likely

Or you keep Power, keep the timeline intact, understand your role as an organization in developing these players *and* reaping the benefits, have a dman probably not far off Schaefer, or at least anything he is in the near future, AND a swell F prospect instead of whatever the pennies on the dollar trade would have been that other GMs would know Adams is FORCED to make to balance the roster 

we want to saddle Adams willingly with the added difficulty of finding a trade? 

pass

Well first, Gavin McKenna is a winger so we're safe there. 

[PerreaultForever]

7 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Yes. If we had drafted Rossi or Jarvis instead of Quinn it would matter. If we had drafted Hughes or Eklund instead of Power it would matter. If we had drafted McAvoy instead of Nylander it would have mattered. The Sabres have to get this right, it has been the Achilles heel of this place since b4 Pegula. 

But even still he probably has 2-3week of ramping up before he's game ready which is the end of the jr season. Maybe we get some playoffs from him but I haven't looked up his team standings. 

I get that. There's no question there are drafting errors. The question however, would be would these players be as good had they been drafted here? Would Power etc. be better if drafted elsewhere? I stand firm on my contention that we as an organization do not develop our picks well. 

McAvoy had struggles when he entered the league. Bruins paired him with Chara. A veteran mentor. Sabres just throw them out there and expect them to learn on their own. Cozens should have been stuck between 2 veterans but we put him on an all kid line. We have a ridiculous organization. 

[Flashsabre]

46 minutes ago, Thorner said:

You don’t draft another D number one. Going LHD 3 straight times at #1 is absurd and a diluting of value. There are always exceptions to the rule: what if we finish last next year and top ranked prospect is a lhd again. Take him? Where’s the line? There’s a line.

Unless Schaefer is literally Orr or Makar, take the elite F with little gap. Maximize the value. You are trying to build a team - the presence of two 1s already on D allows us to allocate high value pick resources elsewhere - Byram at 3 overall looks good next to Dahlin, sure, and EVERYONE at any slot looks good next to Dahlin - that’s the point of a talent like Dahlin re: avenue to team building.

If Schaefer is NOT Makar, taking him just sets back the timeline yet again to the detriment of the ENTIRE roster (remember how one player can’t elevate a team? Pushing back timeline for one guy is nonsensical) if we are dealing out, say, Power as a repercussion. We are going to sell him at an early stage of development for pennies on the dollar. So you get a great prospect in Schaefer and some beans, likely

Or you keep Power, keep the timeline intact, understand your role as an organization in developing these players *and* reaping the benefits, have a dman probably not far off Schaefer, or at least anything he is in the near future, AND a swell F prospect instead of whatever the pennies on the dollar trade would have been that other GMs would know Adams is FORCED to make to balance the roster 

we want to saddle Adams willingly with the added difficulty of finding a trade? 

pass

Taking lesser players is the way you fail. You don’t avoid the best player because you took Power and it didn’t work out the way you wanted so far.

You take the best player and move other pieces to get what you need to improve the team.

I won’t draft Josh Allen because we drafted EJ Manuel and he wasn’t good. Another big, right handed throwing QB.

Pass

Edited March 14 by Flashsabre

[LGR4GM]

41 minutes ago, PerreaultForever said:

I get that. There's no question there are drafting errors. The question however, would be would these players be as good had they been drafted here? Would Power etc. be better if drafted elsewhere? I stand firm on my contention that we as an organization do not develop our picks well. 

McAvoy had struggles when he entered the league. Bruins paired him with Chara. A veteran mentor. Sabres just throw them out there and expect them to learn on their own. Cozens should have been stuck between 2 veterans but we put him on an all kid line. We have a ridiculous organization. 

Yea! Look at that Reinhart guy or that Eichel dude. Both suck cuz Buffalo developed them... wait

[Thorner]

31 minutes ago, Flashsabre said:

Taking lesser players is the way you fail. You don’t avoid the best player because you took Power and it didn’t work out the way you wanted so far.

You take the best player and move other pieces to get what you need to improve the team.

I won’t draft Josh Allen because we drafted EJ Manuel and he wasn’t good. Another big, right handed throwing QB.

Pass

No, you avoid the D man because thinking you know with anything close to a certainty that an 18 year old kid is going to end up better than this other 18 year old kid ranked almost equally as a prospect, in several years down the line, is utter hubris, devoid of any semblance of logic. You avoid the D to avoid trading power for pennies on the dollar. The prospect/player immediately loses value once you “drive them off the lot” - Power is in the midst of his development curve, let’s sell low and time travel back the process and keep those expectations low! Said no one. 

Josh Allen to Manuel isn’t an analogous comp and your use of it proves my argument. The fact you are not only equating that ridiculous of a gap to the two, but forecasting it as a certainty renders your argument null

pass: Folie à Deux

Edited March 14 by Thorner

[LGR4GM]

Just now, Thorner said:

No, you avoid the D man because thinking you know to anything close to a certainty that an 18 year old kid is going to end up better than this other 18 year old kid ranked almost equally as a prospect, in several years down the line, is utter hubris, devoid of any semblance of logic. Because you want to avoid trading power for pennies on the dollar. The prospect/player immediately loses value once you “drive them off the lot” - Power is in the midst of his development curve, let’s sell low and time travel back the process and keep those expectations low! 

Josh Allen to Manuel is an analogous comp that proves my argument. The fact you are not only equating that ridiculous of a gap to the two, but forecasting it as a certainty renders your argument null

pass again 

*17yr old kid

Won't be 18 until September 

[Flashsabre]

53 minutes ago, Thorner said:

No, you avoid the D man because thinking you know with anything close to a certainty that an 18 year old kid is going to end up better than this other 18 year old kid ranked almost equally as a prospect, in several years down the line, is utter hubris, devoid of any semblance of logic. You avoid the D to avoid trading power for pennies on the dollar. The prospect/player immediately loses value once you “drive them off the lot” - Power is in the midst of his development curve, let’s sell low and time travel back the process and keep those expectations low! Said no one. 

Josh Allen to Manuel isn’t an analogous comp and your use of it proves my argument. The fact you are not only equating that ridiculous of a gap to the two, but forecasting it as a certainty renders your argument null

pass: Folie à Deux

No point engaging you anymore on this as you are making stuff up to fit your narrative. Have a feeling you really haven’t watched the prospects too much. I guess all the scouts and experts are wrong.

-Schaefer is not similarity ranked to Misa or Martone

- you wouldn’t be selling Power for Pennies on the dollar.

The chance of them getting the first pick are slim anyways. You will get your wish of picking a forward who will be a couple years from contributing anyways (as would Schaefer)

[Thorner]

2 minutes ago, Flashsabre said:

No point engaging you anymore on this as you are making stuff up to fit your narrative. Have a feeling you really haven’t watched the prospects too much. I guess all the scouts and experts are wrong.

-Schaefer is not similarity ranked to Misa or Martone

- you wouldn’t be selling Power for Pennies on the dollar.

The chance of them getting the first pick are slim anyways. You will get your wish of picking a forward who will be a couple years from contributing anyways (as would Schaefer)

I’d trade it if I could 

[DarthEbriate]

1 hour ago, PerreaultForever said:

I get that. There's no question there are drafting errors. The question however, would be would these players be as good had they been drafted here? Would Power etc. be better if drafted elsewhere? I stand firm on my contention that we as an organization do not develop our picks well. 

McAvoy had struggles when he entered the league. Bruins paired him with Chara. A veteran mentor. Sabres just throw them out there and expect them to learn on their own. Cozens should have been stuck between 2 veterans but we put him on an all kid line. We have a ridiculous organization. 

Cozens also should have either been back in juniors (no season I believe) or just COVID squaded. And then he should’ve spent time in the AHL. Instead of being in the opening night lineup as a rookie

[Flashsabre]

43 minutes ago, Thorner said:

I’d trade it if I could 

Hey if you could get a great package of 2-3 pieces that helps the team next year I would be all for it.

i just think Schaefer is a great young player but I fully understand people’s frustration with the LHD at the top of the draft situation.

Actually Buffalo would be in a great spot to trade the pick. They have enough young talent waiting in the wings. But it would have to be something that sets them up really well to compete next season and beyond. I wouldn’t want a pick back in the package. Just impact players ready to help now.

Edited March 14 by Flashsabre

[PerreaultForever]

6 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

Yea! Look at that Reinhart guy or that Eichel dude. Both suck cuz Buffalo developed them... wait

Don't be an a-hole. Those guys were top of the list picks. You could also easily argue they developed slower than they should have because of Buffalo and they both peeked after leaving. Reinhart never topped 25 goals in Buffalo. He's been over 30 every year in Florida and had 57 last year.

If you think Sabres have a good development program and plan good for you. Keep believing that. I disagree. 

[PerreaultForever]

5 hours ago, DarthEbriate said:

Cozens also should have either been back in juniors (no season I believe) or just COVID squaded. And then he should’ve spent time in the AHL. Instead of being in the opening night lineup as a rookie

Yes, he should have spent time in Rochester I agree. 

I look at how Detroit has Kasper between DeBrincat and Kane. We should have had something similar with Cozens. Maybe we wouldn't have found as talented pieces but veterans like that for sure. 

Adding a guy like Zucker helped, but it's too little too late. Power is definitely behind where he should be and he needs a one on one coach and a veteran partner. 

[Crusader1969]

8 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

I get that. There's no question there are drafting errors. The question however, would be would these players be as good had they been drafted here? Would Power etc. be better if drafted elsewhere? I stand firm on my contention that we as an organization do not develop our picks well. 

McAvoy had struggles when he entered the league. Bruins paired him with Chara. A veteran mentor. Sabres just throw them out there and expect them to learn on their own. Cozens should have been stuck between 2 veterans but we put him on an all kid line. We have a ridiculous organization. 

There is little doubt that the Sabres have done Power zero favours 

that's why I hold out hope that there is great improvement when he gets a proper partner.    I expect progress regardless, just more if he has a proper partner  

[Crusader1969]

5 hours ago, Flashsabre said:

Hey if you could get a great package of 2-3 pieces that helps the team next year I would be all for it.

i just think Schaefer is a great young player but I fully understand people’s frustration with the LHD at the top of the draft situation.

Actually Buffalo would be in a great spot to trade the pick. They have enough young talent waiting in the wings. But it would have to be something that sets them up really well to compete next season and beyond. I wouldn’t want a pick back in the package. Just impact players ready to help now.

Gonna be real hard to get true value trading the pick but you have to be open to it 

what GM is gonna trade a guy worthy of being traded for first overall for a guy who is 2 or 3 years away from contributing? 
 

 

 

[PerreaultForever]

2 hours ago, Crusader1969 said:

There is little doubt that the Sabres have done Power zero favours 

that's why I hold out hope that there is great improvement when he gets a proper partner.    I expect progress regardless, just more if he has a proper partner  

An entire new assistant coaching staff would be a start. Jay McKee in charge of the D perhaps? Somebody like that. Not these clowns that Ruff inherited. 

[LGR4GM]

12 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

Don't be an a-hole. Those guys were top of the list picks. You could also easily argue they developed slower than they should have because of Buffalo and they both peeked after leaving. Reinhart never topped 25 goals in Buffalo. He's been over 30 every year in Florida and had 57 last year.

If you think Sabres have a good development program and plan good for you. Keep believing that. I disagree. 

Tuch, Tage, Peterka 

Dahlin 

UPL

McLeod 

Lots of players have gotten better in Buffalo

[Thorner]

27 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Tuch, Tage, Peterka 

Dahlin 

UPL

McLeod 

Lots of players have gotten better in Buffalo

Eichel 

[LGR4GM]

44 minutes ago, Thorner said:

Eichel 

I got yelled at for using him as an example. 

[GASabresIUFAN]

I’m feeling much better about getting a top 3 pick.  

I’m interested in Misa, Martone, and Desnoyers.