2010 NHL Draft First Round Open Thread

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 6:30 PM EDT

I didn't do nearly as much coverage as I had hoped I would for the NHL Draft and now Draft day has arrived. In the SB Nation mock draft we selected Dylan McIlrath, a big-bodied mean kid from Winnipeg. McIlrath has developed into quite the player and he might not last until 23 if teams are looking for a mean defenseman.

This seems like as good a time as any to give you a top five list of players I would take with the 23 pick if they are available. I will label them in order but please don't hold it against me, if I am incorrect. Last season we recommended Zack Kassian as the Sabres top pick and the Sabres brass came through, I find it unlikely they will do it two seasons in a row.

Top Five Choices at #23

Dylan McIlrath - Defense (Moose Jaw Warriors)
Austin Watson - Left Wing (Peterborough Petes)
Riley Sheahan - Center (Notre Dame Fighting Irish)
Tyler Pitlick - Center (Minnesota State)
Jared Tinordi - Defense (U-18 USNTDP)

There is a slight chance that none of these players will be available when the Sabres select. Let me know your choices for the Buffalo Sabres and lets talk some hockey on a warm Friday night.

You can also follow along with our Buffalo Sabres draft tracker here.

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hello

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by bestbostonsports on Jun 25, 2010 6:39 PM EDT reply actions

Alas

Real life is calling tonight boys, and I’m bummed I won’t be able to watch live. See you tomorrow.

by Andy Boron on Jun 25, 2010 6:39 PM EDT reply actions

Enjoy the night. Real life sucks some time.

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by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions

First trade of the night, Ballard to the Canucks for Bernier. Good to see Bernier gets around

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 6:58 PM EDT reply actions

Hello Everyone

Here’s to the Sabres making some moves that bring the cup to Buffalo.

by Guido1983 on Jun 25, 2010 7:03 PM EDT reply actions

I made it

Finally here and settled in for the night.

D.O.
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by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 7:04 PM EDT reply actions

Good timing.

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Let’s go Buffalo.

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 7:14 PM EDT reply actions

Not surprised the Oilers select Hall.

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 7:22 PM EDT reply actions

Me neither

I expected Hall and than Seguin.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

No surprise there either

now the draft really starts

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 7:28 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, any guesses here quickly? I think Florida packages this pick for a big name player

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope

I have no clue what Florida will do.

D.O.
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by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I just called that at the last minute

I know nobody believes me but I have a witness here with me.

D.O.
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by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Still haven’t missed Pierre McGuire

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 7:55 PM EDT reply actions

When does Fowler get picked

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 8:03 PM EDT reply actions

Phew I didn’t miss it, any trades/major surprises yet?

by kitaman27 on Jun 25, 2010 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

Cam Fowler still not picked

Steve Bernier traded to Panthers for Keith Ballard

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting….thanks!

by kitaman27 on Jun 25, 2010 8:18 PM EDT reply actions

SCREW THE RANGERS.

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

So much for McIlrath

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

I can’t believe he went before Fowler, Gormley and even Forbort

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 8:34 PM EDT reply actions

Well, let’s hope that plays out well for Buff! Of course…there’s a looooong way to go.

"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."

by cmat on Jun 25, 2010 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions

This is unreal

I can’t believe Fowler and Gormley are still available

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 8:40 PM EDT reply actions

Its almost as if they know something we don’t o.O

by kitaman27 on Jun 25, 2010 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

There goes Fowler

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 8:49 PM EDT reply actions

aaaaand Gormley. I’m still routing for Pitlick to get to us.

"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."

by cmat on Jun 25, 2010 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

And there goes Gormley

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

Im really happy to see the sabres using the old logo at their table.

Is the buffaslug officially dead?

"What wins the majority of the time is blocking, tackling, throwin', catchin' and kickin" - Chan Gailey

by dragonwag0n on Jun 25, 2010 8:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Yes.

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions

i cant believe that fowler fell so far.

Old school Bills tattoo [ √ ] Old school Sabres tattoo [ √ ] ... see the avatar.
Lets Go Buffalo!!

by bflo on Jun 25, 2010 9:14 PM EDT reply actions

+1

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Divine intervention, the ducks did just lose Neidermayer…

by Steven Hida on Jun 25, 2010 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess that opens up another player for Buffalo

Joey Hishon?

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

There goes another guy

I’m looking at Sheahan now.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah, I was hoping he’d be our man. Only time will tell…..

"Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber....you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!"

by higs59569 on Jun 25, 2010 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions

What about Etem at this point?

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by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Still think he will be gone but….yeah!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

okay

maybe it will be Etem!

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Think the sabres have thrown one of the offers to the leafs that burke was talking about?

"Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber....you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!"

by higs59569 on Jun 25, 2010 9:37 PM EDT reply actions

probably

It will never happen though.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope not

by Guido1983 on Jun 25, 2010 9:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Have they even mentioned Buffalo at all during the last 3 hours?

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 9:52 PM EDT reply actions

Oops

No deal Darcy just lost out on Sheahan . Take Tinordi!!!!!!!!!!!

by danabob on Jun 25, 2010 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

The Sabres have to take Etem with 23

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by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 9:58 PM EDT reply actions

AHHHH!

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 9:59 PM EDT reply actions

Have to go with Etem now

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 9:59 PM EDT reply actions

What top player is left...

that in not NA born?

by Guido1983 on Jun 25, 2010 10:01 PM EDT reply actions

Nobody as high as Etem

D.O.
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by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Woo'

Guys, I’ll be guiding Buffalo’s pick #23 at the draft!! Freakin excited!!!

by LABillsFan on Jun 25, 2010 10:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Represent

by krytime on Jun 25, 2010 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Etem pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease

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Go Rockies! First and only member of the Manuel Corpas fanclub right here! :/
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by UZ on Jun 25, 2010 10:05 PM EDT reply actions

so.. a commercial when the sabres are suppose to pick.. Not only have they not even mentioned Buffalo during the last 3 hours the go to commercial when their pick comes up.

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

Stop it

You’re starting to sound like its a conspiracy against Buffalo.

by Guido1983 on Jun 25, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions

and an interview

"Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber....you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!"

by higs59569 on Jun 25, 2010 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Let’s keep talking about Montreal.. UGGGH!

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Its TSN, what do you expect.

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by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

and they are still using the Slug on their graphics.

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

If the Sabres want to go defense, Mark Pysyk is on the board as well.

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

Good call

by krytime on Jun 25, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions

good call.

by UZ on Jun 25, 2010 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Pysksksykskyks!

by UZ on Jun 25, 2010 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

Uh, I think Tallinder just got offended

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 10:12 PM EDT reply actions

???

Why

by Guido1983 on Jun 25, 2010 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought they gave him the number 10 jersey just because, didn’t realize that every team was giving 10s out. My bad

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Hate this pick

Zach you can put something up if you want because I will be very negative about it.

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

Might be late

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll do it

I’m just frustrated

D.O.
www.diebytheblade.com - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by David Oleksy on Jun 25, 2010 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think its as bad of a pick as you are thinking. Technically, he is the best player on the board.

Die By The Blade - An SB nation destination for Sabres fans everywhere

by Zachary Zielonka on Jun 25, 2010 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions

call me wierd, but i really like the logo pins the brass is wearing

"Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber....you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!"

by higs59569 on Jun 25, 2010 10:14 PM EDT reply actions

I was just telling my girlfriend that. I’m going to see if I can find them online.

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions

http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/gorshi2/items/BUFFALO_SABRES_HOCKEY_Collector_Souvenir_Lapel_Pin

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions

nice!

"Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber....you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!"

by higs59569 on Jun 25, 2010 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Its not the exact one, and they only have one in stock. I wonder if they’ll put the Lapels they were wearing on the Sabres online store. I would like one to put on my shirt collar for work.

"The three important elements of hockey are: forecheck, backcheck and paycheck." - Gil Perreault

by FloridaBuffalo on Jun 25, 2010 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Welcome to Buffalo

by kitaman27 on Jun 25, 2010 10:15 PM EDT reply actions

Herek a link to the Sabres write-up on Pysyk

Click Here

by Monotonousblob on Jun 25, 2010 10:27 PM EDT reply actions

Possibility....

With a stay at home defecemen in the first, think it might mean they are picking prospects to backfill cause they are moving guys up to take Hank and Lydmans places?

"Just when I think you couldn't possibly be any dumber....you go and do something like this....and totally redeem yourself!"

by higs59569 on Jun 25, 2010 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

Pysyk = Brian Campbell

Don’t know how many of you are watching on Versus, but after the pick the announcers were going on about Pysyk’s stay-at-home D abilities and how he, perhaps, logged too much ice time playing in all sorts of situations. Then when they were presenting the sweater, the caption on the screen had a line for “Comparable” and the NHL player who they thought was comparable to Pysyk’s game? Brian Campbell. I’m not sure who was right, but I thought it an odd contrast.

by CGoetz on Jun 25, 2010 10:29 PM EDT reply actions