BUFFALO, N.Y. – With five legitimate defensive prospects at the top of this year’s NHL Draft, the Sabres, picking eighth, are in line to select one of them.
The last time Buffalo drafted a defenseman that high was when they selected Rasmus Ristolainen with the eighth overall pick in 2013.
If General Manager Tim Murray does pull the trigger on defense, he will be looking for a long-term starter across from Ristolainen on the blue line.
"They're all quality players and they are all going to be in the NHL sooner rather than later,” said Dan Marr, the head of NHL Central Scouting. “They all bring something different. You could talk to five or six teams and they will all say who they have number one. It is a very good core and they will all be a top four on their teams. They are all expected to have good solid NHL careers."
No matter what way the Sabres do go with the eighth overall pick -- whether it is offense or defense -- someone they will have to deal with for years to come is consensus top pick Auston Matthews, who will go to the rival Maple Leafs.
"When it comes to that stuff you just want to do your best,” Matthews said. “Obviously I want to be an impact player in the NHL and for whatever team I can see myself being that player. “
The Sabres have 12 picks when the draft comes to First Niagara Center June 24-25, so expect so moving and shaking.