In the week leading up to the NHL Draft, we will take a look at a handful of players that may be available at the 16th position for the Buffalo Sabres. Today's look comes at Barrie Colts center Mark Scheifele. 

Quick Stats

Plays - Center
Age - 18
Birthdate - March 15, 1993
Hometown - Kitchener, ON
Shoots - Right 
Height - 6' 3"
Weight - 175 lbs

The Lowdown

If I had to pick one player that I would love to see the Sabres pick up on draft day, this would be the player. Ranked 16th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Scheifele has been an outstanding player for the OHL Barrie Colts. In his first season in the OHL, Scheifele finished with 75 pts, 22 goals and 53 assists, in 66 games. Those 75 points was good for 4th overall among rookies in the league and second on the team in scoring. 

Scheifele also was apart of the WJC U18 team in Germany where he scored 13 points, 4 goals and 9 assists, in seven games. The Canadian team ended up finished 4th in the tournament. Scheifele would fit in a spot where the Sabres need some depth among prospects.

What Others Are Saying

NHL Central Scouting 

Mark protects the puck very well and will take it to the net while fighting through checks. He's got a great work ethic. His Barrie Colts have struggled this season and he has been relied upon to provide offense. He sees the ice very well and his playmaking ability is very good. He gets back quickly and works hard defensively."

The Hockey News

Ford notes Scheifele has the ability to become a first- or second-line center in the NHL one day, but added that, if you want to nitpick, the one thing he could improve on is his skating. Though he is deceptively quick, Scheifele may look heavy-footed at times, but Ford stressed in the long run that's not a big concern. Because of how Scheifele attacks practices and how driven he is to improve his game, there's little doubt whatever tweaks need to be made, the Kitchener native will adjust accordingly.

International Scouting Services

He is big with a ton of room to build on his frame. He plays a very focused and disciplined style and he isn't afraid to take the puck to the toughest areas of the ice.