Hudson Fasching
Position: Right Wing
Age: 20
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 213 lbs.
2014-15 team: Minnesota (NCAA)
Acquired: Traded from the LA Kings with Nick Deslauriers for Brayden McNabb, Jonathan Parker and two second round picks
Last year’s ranking: 18
Hudson Fasching underwent surgery after last season to excavate a piece of a bone that came off his knee during the World Juniors. That didn’t cause him to miss any time, but may be why his numbers dropped slighty. None-the-less, it shows off toughness that has to make the Sabres smile. The fastest talker on the Sabres roster comes in at #14 in our Top 25 Under 25 ranking.
Fasching had an outstanding freshman season, earning All-Big Ten Rookie team honors and the Gopher’s Rookie of the Year award. He returned for his sophomore year this season, hoping to avenge Minnesota’s NCAA Championship loss. However, his team was upset in the first round by Minnesota-Duluth.
The young winger once again made the US World Junior roster. He scored one goal and two assists on a disappointing fifth-place American team.
When you watch Fasching play, he sticks out immediately. He looks even bigger than his 6’2″ size, and almost looks like a galloping golden retriever when he skates. He uses his size well in the corners, and is able to use his body to keep defenders away from the puck. At the development camp is was easy to see why some expect great things from Fasching. He’s Kris Baker’s top ranked right wing prospect.
There was some thought that Fasching would make the jump to Rochester this season, but he and the Sabres decided it would be best for him to return for his junior year at Minnesota. He’ll need to step up this season, since the Gophers had six players graduate. With the current state of the Buffalo roster, there’s no rush. Fasching is a player who will start to make a difference just when the Sabres look to become competitive again.
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