The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by members of the Die By The Blade community. 92 readers ranked Buffalo Sabres players under the age of 25 as of August 1, 2026. Each participant used their own metric of current ability and production to rank each player.
Gavin McCarthy
Drafted: 2023, BUF (86th overall), 3rd round, 22nd pick
Position: Defense (shoots right)
Born: 6/2/2005 (Age: 21) Troy, New York (grew up in Clarence Center)
2025-2026 stats: GP 36 G 4 A 17 PTS 21, Boston University
2025 T25U25 Ranking: Unranked
Here we go again with another young right-shot defenseman in the organization. This one is a local kid from Clarence Center and a former Buffalo Jr. Sabre, making his path to the team a little more interesting for Sabres fans.
Gavin McCarthy is a solid 21-year-old defender coming off three seasons at Boston University. Each year, he took another step offensively, steadily increasing his production. In 2025-26, he finished with four goals and 21 points in 36 games while serving as captain of the Terriers.
McCarthy is a physical, two-way defenseman who isn’t afraid to lay a big hit and make his presence felt. He has decent size at 6’2″ and 196 pounds. While his offensive skills are certainly respectable, his two-way label leaned more toward the defensive side of the game in college. He projects as the type of D-man who can be trusted to play a sound, physical game in his own end while providing some secondary offense when the opportunity presents itself.
His skating is strong and one of his best traits. It allows him to take risks and still get back into the play.
Gavin signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Sabres on March 17th. McCarthy will continue his development with the Rochester Americans, turning pro for his first full AHL season. He did get a brief taste of the pro game last year, appearing in five games with the Amerks late in the campaign.
The Sabres will keep watch on this quality player and see if he can eventually find a place in Buffalo a few years down the road. We all know just how crowded the field is when it comes to defensive prospects in the organization, with talented young blueliners up the wazoo. For now, McCarthy should be a strong addition to Rochester, bringing his physicality and leadership qualities to the Amerks. Only time will tell if he can take the next step and prove he is truly NHL material.
2026 Buffalo Sabres Top 25 Under 25
#25 Simon-Pier Brunet
#24 Topias Leinonen
#23 Gavin McCarthy