In preparation for the NHL Draft on June 25, Die by the Blade will profile potential Buffalo Sabres Draft Picks. This feature will run daily with one or two players profiled each day.
Riley Sheahan
Center
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA)
6′-1″ 195 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Hometown: St. Catherines, ON
Date of Birth: December 7, 1991
Stats: 37 GP, 6 G, 11 A, 17 PTS 22 PIM
Scouting Report
The Good – Sheahan has developed into a very good two-way player. He is a deceivingly fast and blows by most defenders. Offensively, he is a natural play-maker with remarkable vision. He is also very mature for his age. Sheahan seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to make it to the NHL. He chose to play hockey in the NCAA but there are rumors that he would bolt to the OHL if it gave him a better chance to make it to the NHL.
The Bad – Sheahan was expected to provide plenty of offense on, what was expected to be a very good Notre Dame team. The team struggled and so did he. Sheahan did not live up to expectations this season, but he undoubtedly gained some valuable experience.
He will need to get stronger before he is ready to play in the professional ranks. He has to develop his game and clean up some of the sloppy play by making better decisions. He has also been the victim of bad decisions off the ice whenhe and teammate Kyle Palmieri were arrested for public intoxication.
What They Are Saying
NHL Central Scouting’s Jack Barzee
“He’s so mature for a kid his age — I’m overwhelmed with that. He’s equally good in all three zones and goes to the front of the net. He’s very conscious in the defensive zone and down behind the net in the defensive corner — he makes certain his team isn’t outnumbered. In the neutral zone, he makes all kinds of things happen but will get back and turn a transition if needed.”
Links
Why The Sabres Might Pick Him
The Sabres are looking for more offensive depth in their prospects and this kid fits the mold. He is a big kid and he is effective in his own zone. The Sabres preach a defense first strategy and Sheahan would thrive in this system. I think of Sheahan and as a bigger version of Tim Kennedy.
Why The Sabres Might Pass on Him
The Sabres are dealing with some off the ice baggage with Zack Kassian right now and although the incident with Sheahan seems isolated, the Sabres might not want to take that chance. Sheahan also seems to be around three years away from being able to make any impact within the organization. He is big but still needs to be stronger and might remind people of Drew Stafford.