Are the Buffalo Sabres going to end up picking at 9, or will they make a move or two?
The Buffalo Sabres have already been active in the trade market leading up to tonight’s NHL Entry Draft. General Manager Kevyn Adams moved wantaway winger JJ Peterka off to Utah Mammoth, picking up RHD Michael Kesselring and RW Josh Doan.
There has been quite a bit of chatter about who else could be traded as the Sabres try to get into ‘win now’ mode by addressing gaps in the roster with NHL-ready players versus stockpiling picks and prospects as they have done over the last few years.
Defenseman Bowen Byram wants a bigger role but finds himself behind Rasmus Dahlin, and could be an enticing trading chip especially if a veteran gritty top six center is available. Jack Quinn disappointed last year and could also become fuel for the fire, or if a team comes up with an adequate package for former #1 pick Owen Power, then GMKA might be tempted to move him instead of Byram.
The Sabres have ten picks in the draft now and that gives them more ammunition to trade for a player(s) that can help them now, starting with the ninth pick in the first round.
How to Watch
Round One
Date: Friday, June 27th 2025
Start time: 7 PM EST
TV: ESPN (US), Sportsnet & TVA Sports (CAN)
Online stream: ESPN+
Rounds Two to Seven
Date: Saturday, June 28th 2025
Start time: 12:00 PM EST
TV: NHL Network (US), Sportsnet & TVA Sports (CAN)
Online stream: ESPN+
Draft Order
Round One
1. New York Islanders: Matthew Schaefer, D, Erie Otters
2. San Jose Sharks: Michael Misa, C, Saginaw Spirit
3. Chicago Blackhawks: Anton Frondell, C, Djurgarden
4. Utah Mammoth: Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats
5. Nashville Predators: Brady Martin, C, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
6. Philadelphia Flyers: Porter Martone, RW, Brampton Steelheads
7. Boston Bruins: James Hagens, C, Boston College
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8. Seattle Kraken: Jake O’Brien, C, Brantford Bulldogs
9. Buffalo Sabres: Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle Thunderbirds
10. Anaheim Ducks: Roger McQueen, C, Brandon Wheat Kings
11. Pittsburgh Penguins: Benjamin Kindel, C, Calgary Hitmen
12. Philadelphia Flyers (from PIT via VAN & NYR): Jack Nesbitt, C, Windsor Spitfires
13. Detroit Red Wings: Carter Bear, LW, Everett Silvertips
14. Columbus Blue Jackets: Jackson Smith, D, Tri-City Americans
15. Vancouver Canucks: Braeden Cootes, C, Seattle Thunderbirds
16. New York Islanders (from MTL via CGY): Victor Eklund, RW, Djurgarden
17. New York Islanders (from MTL): Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts
18. Calgary Flames (from NJD): Cole Reschny, C, Victoria Royals
19. St. Louis Blues: Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
20. Columbus Blue Jackets (from MIN): Pyotr Andreyanov, G, CSKA Jr.
21. Nashville Predators (from OTT): Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers
22. Pittsburgh Penguins (from PHI, via COL): Bill Zonnon, RW, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
23. Ottawa Senators (from NSH & TBL): Logan Hensler, D, Wisconsin
24. Pittsburgh Penguins (from LAK): William Horcoff, C, Michigan
25. Chicago Blackhawks (from TOR): Vaclav Nestrasil, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks
26. Nashville Predators (from VGK via SJS): Ryker Lee, RW, Madison Capitols
27. Washington Capitals: Lynden Lakovic, LW, Moose Jaw Warriors
28. Winnipeg Jets: Sascha Boumedienne, D, Boston University
29. Chicago Blackhawks (from CAR): Mason West: C, Edina (HS)
30. San Jose Sharks (from DAL): Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars
31. Los Angeles Kings (from EDM, PHI & PIT): Henry Brzustewicz, D, London Knights
32. Calgary Flames (from FLA): Cullen Potter, C, Arizona State