With pick #141 in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres selected goaltender Scott Ratzlaff from the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds.
Ratzlaff, 18, appeared in 34 games last season with the Thunderbirds. He went 25-8-0 in that stretch, good for a 2.15 GAA and .918 save percentage. He also represented Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, going a perfect 4-0-0 with a 0.50 GAA and .976 save percentage.
Ratzlaff is a native of Irma, Alberta. He’s 6’0″ and 174 pounds. He was ranked fourth among North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting, and anywhere from 69th overall (FloHockey) to 115th overall (Draft Prospects Hockey).
DBTB reader bdn00707 had Ratzlaff going at pick #82 to Winnipeg, with these notes:
“Platooned with Thomas Milic this season. If the Jets do part with franchise pillar Hellebuyck they could draft his eventual successor in the same year. Quick goalie who needs more reps to see his true potential.”