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
Läs mer https://www.diebytheblade.com/jedi-council-7/