With pick number 99 in the NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have selected…defenseman Jacob Bryson from Providence College.
As a freshman last year at Providence, Bryson scored 20 points in 39 games, ranking him third among NCAA rookie defensemen, and he’s been a good point producer at all levels thus far in his career. The 19-year old lefty is a great skater who likes to drive the offense with either a good first pass or by taking the puck up the ice himself.
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The knock on Bryson is his size, standing just 5’9’’, 175 lbs, which is pretty undersized at the NHL level. Still, if his offensive skills become elite, he could find a place in this new-look NHL that values offensive defensemen above all else.
On an interesting note, Bryson played with fellow Sabres defnsive prospect Anthony Florentino at Providence, who spoke highly of the newest Sabre.
Huge shoutout and congrats to @jbryson_18 on getting drafted to @BuffaloSabres!Unreal D partner and better guy! #welldeserved @FriarsHockey
— Anthony Florentino (@florentino_216) June 24, 2017
Here’s what Bryson has to say on his own game, courtesy of College Hockey News:
“I strive to be a fast, smart, offensive defenseman. I love setting up plays, especially on the power play. I’m undersized so it’s critical I continue to work hard at getting bigger and stronger while utilizing my strengths. I’m inspired by players like Ryan Ellis and Torey Krug who despite their smaller stature have proven they can compete and be very successful at the next level.”
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