2013 NHL Draft: Who Could Be Available At Pick No. 38?

The 2013 NHL Draft takes place this Sunday, and the Buffalo Sabres have a whole bunch of picks in the first two rounds – four, to be exact. There are a heck of a lot more than four players that will be taken in the first two rounds, however, so over the next few days, we’re going to throw some previews out featuring some prospects that could be available with each of their first few picks. Today: No. 38.

Michael McCarron

McCarron is a big bodied right winger who could develop in to the power forward we all hoped Drew Stafford would eventually become. How massive is he? At 6’5” 228lbs and only 18 years old, he’s a big, big boy. He’s likely going to require a bit more developmental time to hone his overall skills, but he shows promise by having nice hands for such a big man and good awareness on the ice.

JT Compher

Compher is a left winger with decent size (6’0”) who brings a fire to his game that complements his offensive skills quite well. His energy level on the ice is second to none, and when combined with his good speed and quickness, it gives him the ability to make plays in all areas of the ice and beat defensemen one-on-one. He’s another American prospect (along with McCarron) who would have Ron Rolston connections thanks to their USNTDP playing careers, so perhaps that might give them an edge if all else is equal.

Jacob De La Rose

A 6’2” center who blends size, skill, and speed in the second round would be considered a win by most fans. De La Rose, who’s played in the pro Swedish leagues, excels in all situations (offensively and defensively) and provides the flexibility to play all three forward positions. He’s the kind of guy who does everything well, but he hasn’t yet shown that one exceptional skill that might land him a higher draft pick. Still, there’s nothing wrong with a jack-of-all-trades who can add to the Sabres stable of sizeable two-way forwards.

Chris Bigras

Bigras is unlike recent Sabres draftees Mark Pysyk and Jake McCabe in that he’s more of a steady, reliable defenseman rather than a two-way puck mover. However, he’s incredibly steady in his own end and consistently makes the smart play. A possible second-line pairing guy in the future, he’s the type of player who will take care of his own end very well, and still has decent offensive skills. His 6’0” frame might be deemed a bit too small for some, but the steadiness he’s shown at a young age playing in the OHL is a good indicator of a solid prospect.

Who do you want the Sabres to draft with their first pick of the second round?