4 Buffalo Sabers Players Could Make 11th Overall Pick – The Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabers

As the 2024 NHL Draft approaches, the Buffalo Sabers face a major question. Do they hold on and use the 11^th overall pick to add another quality prospect to their already rich pool, or do they pool it together to find someone who can make a difference on this roster?

Rumors are rife that the 11th overall pick could be in play:

Elliotte Friedman on the Sabres’ 11th overall pick at stake (via 32 Thoughts: The Podcast):

“I don’t think they’re going to do it just to do it, but they did it and they’re saying ‘if you’re really interested in this choice, and this is something that’s going to help us,…

– The Saber Report (@TheSabreReport) June 7, 2024

That’s the kind of asset that could open the door for a major addition to the roster, especially for a mid-six player. Regardless, this will be one of the most notable offseasons of general manager Kevyn Adams’ tenure and all options should be explored.

Why trade the 11th^th The choice makes sense

Let’s be realistic: there are not “too many” good prospects, but there is still a tipping point. The Sabers will reach that point in the very near future. With prospects like Isak Rosen, Matt Savoie, Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund and Ryan Johnson – as well as winger Zach Benson already on the roster at 18 – there are only so many opportunities to seize.

Related: Buffalo Sabers Free Agency Plans: Players to Avoid

There’s nothing wrong with adding a solid prospect like Sam Dickinson, Konsta Helenius or Carter Yakemchuk to the 11^th overall choice. After all, that just means it will be harder for someone who isn’t NHL ready to break out of the pack.

The reality of the situation is that the 2024-25 Sabers need to make the playoffs. Adams will 100% disappear if they don’t. For this reason, exchange the 11^th a pick (and a hope or two) might be the best decision possible to ensure the playoffs are realistic, not just a possibility.

4 players the Sabers could make a move for

Even though the Sabers didn’t make a move at the trade deadline, the summer brings different trade opportunities. With draft capital and prospects in hand, they could make a move for any of these four players.

Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets

Nikolaj Ehlers is very intriguing as he has one year remaining on his seven-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets and there are rumors that he might be available. Given the Sabres’ offensive woes this season, he offers a tantalizing blend of skill and speed.

Ehlers has had some top-notch results while playing on the second line this season. He led the team in scoring five to five, but played less often than third-line winger Mason Appleton. Although he is expected to get a raise in the near future, he managed to score 25 goals and 60 points despite dealing with injury issues.

The simple fact is that Ehlers produces when healthy and in the lineup. Having him on a second line with Dylan Cozens and/or JJ Peterka could also help take their games to the next level. Maybe not exactly what the Sabers are looking for, but worth putting the tires on.

Kaapo Kakko, New York Rangers

While the New York Rangers may not be thrilled to move him, they do have some considerations to make, with Braden Schneider and Ryan Lindgren needing new contracts this year, while Alexis Lafrenière, Igor Shesterkin and K ‘Andre Miller will arrive in a year. .

Kakko has all the tools to become a star in the NHL and could get the opportunity in Buffalo. He has great size, skills and hockey sense, although his minutes have been reduced with the Rangers. Part of that, however, is the talent in New York.

The downside is that Kakko will need a new deal because he is a restricted free agent and he has yet to reach his full potential. Still, the combination of size and skill is something that has to be intriguing for the Sabres.

Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning and “cap issues” have gone hand in hand in recent years. With the signing of Steven Stamkos and some restructuring to be done, guys who might not otherwise be here will be available. Enter: Anthony Cirelli.

At $6.25 million per year, Adams could easily fit Cirelli into the current structure without upsetting the apple cart. The cap is expected to increase exponentially over the next few years, making his deal much more palpable. Getting a solid two-way center like Cirelli in return, one with a pair of Stanley Cups under his belt, would be invaluable.

Cirelli has emerged as a striker who does the dirty work and prioritizes his own end. He’s also coming off his best season offensively, reaching career highs in goals (20) and points (45). He can play center or wing, making him even more valuable in the middle of the lineup.

Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers

While some Sabers fans may not be thrilled with the idea of ​​giving up a first-round pick for Scott Laughton, the center market has become expensive. With a cap hit of $3 million for the next two seasons, his contract alone is a worthwhile investment.

Laughton is versatile and could play an important role in the middle six. He’s had some of his best years offensively in recent times, including career highs in goals (18) and points (43) in 2022-23. He also had five out of six seasons in which he won more than 50% of his faceoffs, something the Sabers desperately need.

A veteran two-way presence capable of winning faceoffs would be a perfect addition to the middle of the Sabers lineup. His reasonable ceiling makes him even more attractive, especially when the prospect of giving up on 11^th overall choice enters the equation.

Now is the time to act

Separate from 11^th overall selection won’t be easy, especially given the breadth of quality prospects that will potentially be available. The pressure has never been greater in Buffalo and making the playoffs is the only option. Adding one of these names could be the boost the Sabers need to get over the hump.