Buffalo Sabres Make Three Third Round Selections

The Buffalo Sabres kicked off a busy third round by selecting Rouyn-Noranda defenseman Jerome Gauthier-Leduc. Gautier-Leduc is an offensive-minded right-handed defenseman.

Jerome Gauthier -Leduc  -  Defense  - Rouyn-Noranda  - 6'1" 175lbs.

He is a very good skater and he already has an NHL-caliber shot from the point. He might have the best one-timer in the entire draft. Gauthier-Leduc scored 20 goals and had 46 points in 68 games playing the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

His skating is a definte strength but he needs to increase his strength. He is often beat in physical battles along the boards but has the willingness to get stronger.

He is also very raw in the defensive zone and will need to refine his game before he can make the jump to the next level. His positioning needs work and needs to focus more on his own zone instead of always thinking offense first.

He is a very coachable kid and likes to learn how to become a more complete player. He has been invited to Canada's 2010 World Junior Selection camp this summer. 

Kevin Sundher  - Center  - Chilliwack Bruins (WHL)  - 6'0" 190lbs.

After selecting right-handed defensemen with their first two picks, the Buffalo Sabres turned to offense with their third selection. They went back to the Western Hockey League to select Center Kevin Sundher from the Chilliwack Bruins. 

Sundher is an explosive skater and he deceptively strong. He needs to develop more physically because he sometimes bites off more than he can chew. He likes to play a physical style but lacks the strength to back it up at times.

If he can develop his shot, he could be the complete package offensively. A willingness to play physical, a very fast skater and unbelievable vision that allows him to see the entire ice. A very creative player that scored 25 goals and had 61 points in 72 games this season.

Matt Mackenzie  - Defense  -Calgary Hitmen (WHL) - 6'1 1/2" 190lbs.

The Sabres third selection in the third round was another right-handed blue-liner. Matt Mackenzie from the Calgary Hitmen was the latest right-handed defenseman selected by Buffalo in this draft.

Mackenzie is a hard working defenseman that plays with a physical edge. He is willing to throw the body around and does not allow opposing forwards anywhere near his goalie. He is a typical stay-at-home defensive defenseman that does not have much of an offensive upside.

He is still a couple of years away from being able to play at the next level and will need to refine his skills while playing in juniors. He should someday play in the NHL if he continues to work hard at becoming a more complete defensive player.