In Buffalo, New York, the Buffalo Sabres and their management anxiously awaited the NHL Draft Lottery as eight NHL teams vied for the Stanley Cup. Kevyn Adams and Sabres supporters were disappointed when luck didn’t swing their way, resulting in the Sabres securing the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
The Sabres, enduring the NHL’s longest playoff drought of 13 seasons, have made 14 first-round picks in the last decade. Throughout franchise history, they’ve held the 11th pick five times.
Keith Ballard – 2002
David Cooper – 1992
Adam Creighton – 1983
Mike Ramsey – 1979
Lee Fogolin – 1974
That should change this season.
With Lindy Ruff officially introduced two weeks ago, the team’s message was clear: the goal is to win now. It’s highly probable that a player drafted outside the top 10 won’t have a significant impact in the NHL for two or more seasons. Zach Benson’s case last year was an exception, but that shouldn’t influence your decision.
In fact, of the 14 first-round picks the team has made in the last decade, only four played more than 10 games in the season immediately after being drafted. Those four players are Benson, Eichel, Reinhart, and Rasmus Dahlin.
I have seen this a lot the last few days, so it’s not some super original thought, but if the Sabres don’t land a top-three pick I think they should be trading it as part of a package for an established player. Doubt they will, but think they should.
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) May 7, 2024
It’s true that a first-round pick in the top half of the draft holds value, but the Sabres already have a strong pool of prospects and limited roster spots.
Next season, Jiri Kulich, Matthew Savoie, Isak Rosén, and Ryan Johnson could become NHL regulars. Noah Ostlund is also progressing well and might be just a year away from a full-time spot. While adding another first-round pick would be beneficial, acquiring an NHL veteran would have a greater impact and accelerate the team’s progress.
This doesn’t mean the Sabres should make a trade just for the sake of it, but if there’s an opportunity to acquire a top-six forward or a third-line center, Adams should seize it to bolster the team now. If he doesn’t and the playoff drought continues, it could be his last first-round pick as GM of the Sabres.
