With the 69th pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have taken right winger Nicholas Baptiste from the OHL.
Baptiste is a 6’1”, 189 lbs winger who shot up draft boards this year after committing himself to improving in the defensive end. With a strong two way game, he’s no offensive slouch, either, scoring 21 goals for Sudbury in the OHL, and drives to the net with power. He performed well for Canada at the U-18 WJC tournament, tying for third most goals on that squad that featured MacKinnon and Klimchuk, among others.
Other fun facts about him include that he’s Canadian, and he grows a heck of a neck beard.
Here’s what Hockey’s Future has to say about him:
Baptiste is a solid, two-way right-winger who rocketed up Central Scouting’s ranking of North American skaters. He jumped 44 spots to 61st overall in the final rankings, based upon his commitment to focusing on the defensive zone. Last year, Baptiste was all offense all the day, but this year he improved in all facets of his game and the scouts have taken note.