Meet the newest Buffalo Sabres draftees:

 

14th Overall:

Thomas Chabot LD 6'2" 180lbs - GP-47 G-11 A-34 P-45 PIM-79 +27 - NHL 18th overall

Chabot is a two-way defenseman who excells in all areas, he has the ability to take over a game and control the pace with his smooth skating. There may be nothing left to prove at the junior level and a spot in the NHL next season will be his to lose in camp. His ceiling is quite high as he has the potential to be a number 1 Dman and anchor a BRHL blueline. We'll stay conservative and project him as a 2nd pairing two-way D.

Quip from the GM: "We had Boeser as our guy here but are very happy to walk away with Thomas as our top pick. He's the most pro-ready prospect we drafted, could see NHL ice next season."

30th Overall:

Jack Roslovic C/RW 6'1" 183lbs - GP-36 G-10 A-16 P-26 PIM-18 -5 - NHL 25th overall

A smart pass first player, Roslovic is an above average skater and plays a good possession game. He had a big season playing with Matthews and Tkachuk in his draft year and showed he can play with talented players. He could stand to improve his two-way game though as he does have decent size and needs to utilize it better. His rights were acquired by London via trade in the OHL and there is a possibility he could be in the OHL as early as next year. Either way his ceiling is as a #2 center or a complementary top line RW. The conservative projection is 3rd line player.

Quip from the GM: "This was our target here, we're lucky to walk away with him at 30."

42nd Overall:

Ryan Gropp LW 6'2" 182lbs - GP-66 G-34 A-36 P-70 PIM-40 +10 - NHL 41st Overall

Ryan went back on his commitment to the University of North Dakota to sign in Seattle with Barzal. He has a great shot as witnessed by his back-to-back 30 goal seasons and moves well for his frame. He continued to produce when Barzal went down to injury but did slow down half way through the year which is a bit of a concern. His ceiling is a 2/3 line scoring winger and his floor is AHL player.

Quip from the GM: "Top of our list here was Nicolas Roy, we knew he'd be high on others lists but it was crushing to see him go 6 picks earlier. We're still happy we got the #3 guy on our list here though."

51st Overall:

Filip Chlapik C 6'1" 196lbs - GP-52 G-12 A-42 P-54 PIM-50 -15 - NHL 48th Overall

Chlapik was highly touted in his draft year but showed regression in his draft +1 year. He's still a very smart player who creates chances for his teammates though. Filip is a real boom/bust type player but could end up paying off if he improves on his skating and play away from the puck. His ceiling is high at a #2/3 playmaking center but he could just as well not put it all together and never see any time in the NHL. He doesn't have the type of game that translates well to the bottom 6.

Quip from the GM: "We had him as our top player at this position, reminds me a bit of David Krejci."

52nd Overall:

Matt Spencer D 6'2" 203 - GP-60 G-5 A-19 P-24 PIM-46 -4 - NHL 44th Overall

Spencer was a high pick in the OHL priority draft and was thought to be a two-way guy with some offense to his game. He has taken on a very defensive role with the Petes so his offensive potential is a bit of an unknown at this time. Still he has good size and sees the ice well, he's been a minute muncher in the OHL and is relied on in all situations. His ceiling is #2/3 two-way Dman, his floor is 3rd pair/7th shutdown Dman. He'll get his chance to play against men next year in the AHL.

Quip from the GM: "Another guy we had at the top here, we love his potential."

60th Overall:

Blake Speers C/RW 5'11" 181lbs - GP-68 G-26 A-48 P-74 PIM-42 -5 - NHL 67th Overall

A highly skilled offensive player, Speers has put up great numbers this year leading the Greyhounds in points. He's not a small player but does need to improve his strength if he's to succeed at the next level. Another real boom/bust type of player, it looks as though he'll be back captaining the Soo as an overager next season. Ceiling could be as high as a top line player but his floor is quite low as an AHLer. He projects more as a winger at the pro level.

Quip from the GM: "I was literally looking up how to properly spell Roope Hintz here. Still we like the skill Blake has shown and we hope he can continue to improve."

120th Overall:

Lukas Vejdemo C/RW 6'2" 194lbs - GP-52 G-5 A-12 P-17 PIM-12 +10 - NHL 87th overall

Lukas was passed over in his first draft year but showed great progress in the Swedish junior league. He was promoted to the big club to play against men last year and stuck with the team albeit in a limited role. He has shown commitment to coming over as he takes part in NHL development camps, so it's not out of the question that he ends up in the AHL to get accustomed to North American ice. Ceiling could be as high as a top 9 player but he projects well as a role player should he not find an offensive touch at the next level. He should get a crack at a bigger role next season in Djugardens.

Quip from the GM: "After pick 60 we had a list 9 players deep. So we were crossing our fingers we wouldn't need to scramble as almost 2 full rounds were left to go. In the end we had Vejdemo and Carrier left on our board, we feel we had the bigger need on the wing so we went with the older Swede."