The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. six writers and 718 readers ranked players under the age of 25 as of September 1, 2018 in the Buffalo Sabres organization. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production against future projection to rank each player. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.
After some weeks of speculation, the Buffalo Sabres officially signed Lawrence Pilut in May. One month prior to signing with the Sabres, Pilut was named SHL defenseman of the year for the 2017-2018 season.
Pilut, 22, played his third full term at the SHL level last season with HV71. He exploded for 38 points, surpassing his previous high of 12.
Pilut’s offensive capabilities and skating provide excitement to a blueline that has lacked said qualities in the past. The potential boost to the defense may need to wait at least a year however. It seems likely that Pilut will be spending the year in the AHL with the Rochester Americans this upcoming season.
The patient development may benefit the Tingsryd, Sweden native. As a defender who may not be used to North American ice and style of play, the Sabres would be wise to acclimate Pilut carefully.