With the 86th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres selected defenseman Gavin McCarthy. McCarthy is a native of Clarence Center, NY, grew up in the same neighborhood as Sabres GM Kevyn Adams, and is a product of the Buffalo Junior Sabres organization.
McCarthy, 18, is a right-handed defenseman who clocks in at 6’1″, 181 pounds. He was ranked #52 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, #70 by Elite Prospects, and #86 by TSN’s Bob McKenzie.
McCarthy grew up through the Jr. Sabres organization, suiting up for the team at the 13U, 14U and 16U levels before joining the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberacks in the 2021-22 season. Last season, he skated in 42 games with Muskegon and recorded 27 points and 88 penalty minutes.
He’s headed to Boston University in the fall.
DBTB reader T. McGee had the Sabres taking McCarthy with this pick; here’s what they had to say about the prospect:
“Local boy makes good! McCarthy was a guy I targeted even before I knew he was from Clarence. But he’s the kind of smooth, smart, versatile player that thrives playing in a #4/#5 role at the NHL level. The biggest plus to me is his adaptability. McCarthy can play any style you want: high-paced puck moving transition game, check; physical, dump-in-in bang and crash, for sure; smart, controlled puck possession, no problem. He can do it all and do it well. And he’s getting better. At 6’2, 185#, McCarthy is a sturdy blueliner who moves the puck quickly and accurately, both to get it out of trouble and to trigger transition and counters. In fact, I think the faster the pace is, the better McCarthy plays. While it needs some refinement, his skating is a positive.”
DBTB reader bdn00707 also had the Sabres taking McCarthy with this pick!
“Local kid from Clarence, NY. RHD who is an adaptable player and can play multiple systems. Smooth skater and solid using the body on defense. Gets caught puck watching a fair bit and dealt with some injuries this season.”