1st Round Pick in Question, So How About That 2nd Rounder?
The Buffalo Sabres enter the 2025 NHL draft deep into a 14 year playoff drought with frustration galore to go around. Real progression was expected last season for this club, instead they fell on their face again. Somehow, someway the coaching staff still remains (especially the assistants) as does GM Kevyn Adams. Buffalo did add to their staff though, as Jarmo Kekäläinen was hired as senior advisior. They also added former NHLer Eric Staal as special assistant to the general manager. Neither of these hires hurt. In fact, bringing Kekäläinen aboard sets up Buffalo with a possible successor to Adams as GM. But the 2025-26 season feels like the last chance for Adams and this staff. No playoffs again means Ruff probably steps aside with no new contract offer. The assistants are all gone (except Appert) and Kevyn will be “reassigned” within the organization. Jarmo will be the leading GM candidate and a new staff will be hired. It’s possible Ruff or Adams grab the POHO position, if Terry Pegula ever decides to fill that void again. Meanwhile, the draft is almost upon us again. Now more than ever, the team needs to take steps to end this madness. Bringing in players who can help Buffalo right now is more important than drafting for the future. That is why the 9th overall pick should be in play. The Sabres have roster players that will be moved as well. Buffalo’s first rounder will assuredly be a part of any package deal to bring in new veteran talent. I don’t like sacrificing a top pick but I’m prepared for it if it helps shake up this team.
Most of the players in that 9th overall range do not move the needle for me, so that softens the blow of trading it. There are a few prospects that intrigue me but none I can’t live without. I rather see Buffalo trade down and grab some good talent in the 15-22 range. There are players there that fill a need for us better, leaders, physical players, mentally tough players. Prospects that are a solid overall package, not hit or miss high end skill. Montreal picks 16th and 17th in the draft. I would love to see the Sabres deal the 9th overall pick to the Habs, along with a 2nd rounder next year for those two picks. Buffalo should then use one pick to select the type of player I just mentioned. Then use the other in a package deal to bring in new talent. Bo Byram, JJ Peterka and other big names have been rumored to be moving out. One of those first rounders, along with a prospect would help sweeten any deal with those players. All while the Sabres still get a first round selection of their own. That would be an ideal scenario for me but that is probably asking too much from this team, I’m sure. Regardless of my mock deal here, there is a good chance Buffalo’s first overall pick will be on the move. The priority is to win now, turn things around. This is literally it for Adams. Either he puts a winning team on the ice or his General Manager days are over. So be prepared for no first round pick this year if it helps our much maligned GM make a deal. Hopefully a good one again, as he has had some solid trade moments. Unless that mock trade I made with Montreal becomes a reality. That deal would be advantageous for Buffalo now and in the future as well.
So in this article, I will take a look at some solid 2nd round options for the Sabres, as this could be Buffalo’s first pick in the draft. We want to win now obviously which is why sacrifices must be made. But we still need to find that talent for the future, even as Buffalo looks for immediate help. Some of these prospects will definitely be around for the choosing. Others will need a little luck to still be on the board. Trading up 5-8 spots should guarantee drafting any of the 5 players I listed. But 3 or 4 of them should still be there with no movement needed. In my opinion, these are all solid options for the Sabres. All have good size, abundant talent, with strong but various levels of grit and leadership.
Shane Vanshagi, RW
At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, Shane Vanshagi is the physicality that the Sabres are missing. He is a crash and bang prospect who plays the game right. The Michigan State rookie scored 6 goals and 10 assists in his first season. More offense should come as he continues his collegiate career but this is a high energy guy that Buffalo lacks. Vanshagi is a safe as it gets draft pick, a power forward who should translate well to the NHL. There will surely be more development at Michigan State for him but there is lots to like with this player. He brings high intensity, a fantastic forecheck and looks to be more NHL ready than most. He is also great around the net and is hard to move out. Check out his highlights below, the guy plays hard, finishes his checks and has a solid 200 foot game. He routinely goes to the net and has been called “A coach’s dream player.” Offensively, he probably tops out as a 3rd liner but his overall value would be inmeasurable. The Sabres would be wise to snag this guy, trading up in the 2nd round if needed. Vanshagi is good enough to sneak into the very end of the 1st round even. A smart team picking late would get a player of higher value than half the prospects chosen before him.
Henry Bruzustewicz, RD
The London Knights defender of the OHL had himself a nice season. Bruzustewicz had 10 goals and 42 points, along with 77 penalty minutes and finished a +20. He has solid offensive skills, especially a knack for scoring some big goals. But it’s his defense and physical play that will cement him a job in the NHL. He is strong in his own end, limits the mistakes and turnovers and has a good first pass in transition. He handles his business and keeps the other team in check. This right shot defensemen needs more consistency in his game but that should improve with his development. He looks like a bottom pair player at worst, middle pair defender at best who brings a solid overall game. He rounds out at 6’2″ and 197 pounds at just 18. Buffalo should definitely be interested in this guy. A nice blend of size, skill, physical play and sound defense.
Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, RW
An interesting Swedish player we have right here. Ihs-Wozniak was considered a legit first round pick coming into this past season but now ranks about 28-38 in most mocks. His early season struggles (but strong finish) are the main reason for that. He is a growing kid at 6’3′ and 188 pounds. His best attribute is scoring goals, this kid has real skill. He netted 23 in 40 games played in the SHL last season and had 57 points in total. He also scored 18 markers in 29 games internationally. Jakob brings a decent physical game too but that sometimes gets him into trouble. He can take himself out of the play unnecessarily finishing a hit. His pacing can be off at times as well. Ihs-Wozniak has some work to do to refine his game but there is still lots to like here. He projects to be a middle six NHL player and a power play specialist as well. Offensively, for some reason I get Drew Stafford vibes from him, only more willing to get in there and win battles.
Pyotr Andreyanov , G
There are a couple of huge sized goaltending prospects in this draft and several good undersized ones as well. I guess Pyotr Andreyanov falls right in the middle. The Russian 18 year old comes in at 6’2″ and 205 pounds. This young man put up incredible numbers in the MHL. In 37 games he posted a 23-8-6 record with a 1.75 GAA and a save percentage of .942. He had 3 shutouts as well. His tracking is extremely good, he nearly always finds the puck through a crowd. That is one aspect of his game that will translate well to an NHL career. He plays smart and is very athletic. He also plays bigger than his frame, sizing up and cutting down the angles. There is a good chance Andreyanov is a top 3 goalie off the board in the draft. Buffalo should really consider this prospect if they are eyeing a goaltender.
Mason West, RW
Mason West is a big boy at 17 years old and will fill out even further in the next few years. He also plays high school quarterback for his school but has chosen hockey for his career path. The 6’6″ nearly 220 pound winger is a Minnesota native and 2nd round prospect. In 31 games last season he scored 27 goals, 22 assists for 49 points for Edina, his high school team. West draws comparison to long time Islander forward Anders Lee. His puck skills are tremendous, he plays with confidence and is a fairly strong skater for someone his size. His decision making needs to improve but as a player in the offensive zone, he can help you in so many ways. This prospect has solid middle 6 potential as an NHL power forward. The Sabres would do well to have him on their radar.
I sure do hope the Sabres look to these 5 options in the 2nd round. (especially if they end up dealing their 1st) As you might have noticed, I do favor Shane Vanshagi as my top choice. I know some will snub him as not being a top end talent. But it’s his heart and hustle, his leadership and physical play that makes him special. Mumble to yourself no more about what this team needs as you watch them play. Go back to any Sabres’ game from last season and notice what is missing. The attributes of a player like Vanshagi, that ‘s what. Henry Bruzustewicz is my second best option. I love his all around game. He is no elite anywhere but he is good everywhere. And if the Sabres want a netminder, Andreyanov is my pick. His ability to track the puck so well is key for me. In his latest mock draft, T. McGee picked Michal Pradel as the Sabres goaltender of choice. I am onboard with him as well as a great secondary choice. He has great size and quickness.
So we are about 2 weeks out from the NHL draft. I have no doubt the Buffalo brass will be busy leading up to it and the draft weekend itself. A few roster players will be on the move, maybe a mid level prospect too. But that 9th overall pick should be up for grabs as well. When the Sabres do make their picks though, it will be interesting to see what Adams and the staff do. Go in a different direction with the types of players I’ve listed here? Or continue that proven method of theirs, drafting the best available average sized speedy scorer.