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.
Simon-Pier Brunet
Drafted: 2024, BUF (123rd overall), 4th round, 26th pick
Position: Defense (shoots right)
Born: 10/24/2005 (Age: 20) Gatineau, Quebec, CAN
2025-2026 stats: GP 54 G 2 A 24 PTS 26, QMJHL Victoriaville Tigres
2025 T25U25 Ranking: Unranked
A few late straggler votes were enough to nudge defenseman Simon-Pier Brunet into the Buffalo Sabres’ Top 25 Under 25 rankings. Unfortunately for 2026 sixth-round pick Dylan Dumont, that meant falling off the list and into the abyss—at least until next year.
Dumont still gets a mention here, though, mostly because I had already completed his profile before the late votes came in to change things. The tardy tallies caused a bit of a shuffle in the 21-25 range of the rankings, so here is the final updated version.
By the way DBTBers, there were only 92 votes for this!? We had 117 last summer. After the great season Buffalo just had, (and with many new members here now) I expected much more partcipation. I don’t speak for the whole staff here but I’m shaking my head at the low turn out, with a frowny-faced emoji thrown in too!
So, what should you know about Simon-Pier Brunet?
Let’s start with the basics. Brunet stands 6-foot-2, weighs 204 pounds, and is currently 20 years old. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded 26 points in 54 games with the Victoriaville Tigres of the QMJHL after being traded from the Drummondville Voltigeurs. (where he had posted 32 points in 60 games the previous year—the same club the Buffalo Sabres selected him from in the 2024 NHL Draft) His offensive production is respectable for a stay-at-home blueliner, but putting up points is not what defines his game.
Brunet’s best attributes are in his own zone, particularly his ability to guard the front of the net. You can’t go through him and he is difficult to get around. He can wall off the opposition from the high-danger areas with his brawn and determination. He is also a sound skater with a good motor to his game.
After playing two more seasons in the QMJHL after his draft year, Brunet has committed to Merrimack College for the 2026 -27 season. He will thankfully have time there to work on his game more. Buffalo has an abundance of young defensemen right now, especially those of the right shot variety. His pathway to the NHL will depend not only on his develpment but how the Sabres handle their other defensive prospects.
At this juncture, it almost feels like a few other young defenders will need to fail spectacularly or be traded elsewhere to open up a lane for Simon-Pier Brunet. Or he could forge his way onto the team eventually with his solid defense and physical style of play. It might take both for that to happen.
Meanwhile, he will be one to keep an eye on. Brunet is not a top defensive prospect in the Sabres’ deep system but he could be a top underdog.
2026 Buffalo Sabres Top 25 Under 25
#25 Simon-Pier Brunet