The Best, Worst, and Most Intriguing Draft Picks for the Buffalo Sabres

It’s safe to say that general manager Kevyn Adams has never had a bad draft, considering how many players came into the organization under his watch and are already a part of the great Buffalo Sabers club. So far, Zach Benson, JJ Peterka, Jack Quinn, and Owen Power have already found a home there, and there’s a good chance we’ll see even more from his draft classes in the future.

There was one pick in particular that could find his way to the Sabres sooner rather than later, and that was their top overall pick in the 2024 class, Konsta Helenius. I won’t put too much stock in what made me like this pick after discussing it Friday night, but with his ability to play so well against men at his age, Helenius should be ready to go once he plays in North America.

Honorable mention goes to seventh-round pick Ryerson Leenders, who has seen his production increase significantly in the OHL this season. His save percentage fell from a paltry .879 in 35 games to .909 in 46, and his 3.48 GAA improved to just 3.12 for the year. Look for Leenders to improve even more for the upcoming season.

It’s always hard to say Kevyn Adams made a bad pick, but wow, I didn’t like their 42nd overall pick, Adam Kleber. I have nothing against Kleber, and usually I’d say it’s a good selection. But you had Cole Hutson, Harrison Brunicke, Leo Sahlin-Wallenius and Jesse Pulkkinen on the board. Hey, I like Adam Kleber’s size and mobility, but I’ll tell you one thing: Hutson and Sahlin-Wallenius are future game-changers, and you didn’t pick them, Kevyn. I don’t understand.

Another thing I will never understand is how Brodie Ziemer was ranked so low and no one “reached” for him when the Blue and Gold were about to pick 71st overall. But the two-way winger was there for the taking, and the Sabers got a player who had 94 points and 35 goals in 88 games, plus three more goals and 12 points at the World Juniors last season.

If there is one player in this draft that Ziemer, as a college/junior/international player, will attend the University of Minnesota, I will follow closely, it is Brodie Ziemer. I can’t wait for him to turn pro after a few dominant seasons with the Golden Gophers.

(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)