Top 25 Under 25: #11 Linus Ullmark

Our annual Top 25 Under 25 series serves to find the best young players in the Buffalo Sabres organization, be it NHL, AHL, European or junior leagues. We voted on everyone from Asplund to Willman, and the best 25 players get profiled throughout the month of September. Today’s subject: Linus Ullmark.

Linus Ullmark, G

Age: 23 Height: 6’4” Weight: 212 lbs.

Ullmark has climbed up in the organization since coming over from Sweden, and made 20 appearances for the Buffalo Sabres last season after Robin Lehner got injured. While the 8-10-2 record (2.60GAA, .913SV%) is not impressive, considering that he was supposed to spend the year developing in Rochester does help put that in perspective.

Dan Bylsma has big hopes for the goalie, but didn’t want him sitting around after Lehner’s return –

“I think it’s pretty promising he’s shown what kind of goaltender he can be, and making the big saves and being a big-time goaltender for the Sabres in the future.”

After two straight years of being ranked at 19th in the Top 25 under 25, the Swede is now the highest ranked goalie in the system and can expect to see a few games up in Buffalo, injuries notwithstanding.

While he can be quick and acrobatic in the net, it’s often because he pushes himself out of position and has to recover. With more refined positioning and technique, Ullmark can take the next step up to being a solid backup in the League.

At 23, Ullmark is growing into what could be his best years as a goalie. He was drafted #163 overall in the 6th Round back in 2012, and is entering his contract year so will have added incentive to impress.