ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams began offseason renovations to Buffalo’s roster this week by trading skilled winger JJ Peterka for hard-style defenseman Michael Kesserling and forward Josh Dean.
The project continues with this weekend’s NHL draft, which could include more trades. Buffalo holds the No. 9 pick in Friday’s first round, it’s 11th time drafting in the top 10 over the past dozen years. Assistant GM Jerry Forton indicated the Sabres believe there to be about seven prospects better than the rest, which depending on how quickly they come off the board, could facilitate a trade up or down in the order. And Adams expressed a willingness to exchange the pick for a valuable veteran if the opportunity arises.
Should the Sabres remain at No. 9, here are four prospects that could be in play:
Roger McQueen, C, Brandon (WHL) — The 6-foot-5 centerman has been mocked as high as No. 5 and outside the top 10, but his top-line potential should be too enticing for Buffalo to pass on. Returning to health in time for scouting combine tests after a back injury limited his production in juniors, McQueen blends scoring punch with physicality, a rare combination in Sabreland. Projected for this draft slot by Bob McKenzie of The Sporting News as the seventh center off the board.
Porter Martone, RW, Brampton (OHL) — Slotted to the Sabres by both NHL.com and The Athletic mock drafters, the 6-foot-3 Martone has drawn comparisons to Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk, whose feistiness has long been admired by Buffalo hockey fans. With several centers expected to be picked high, it could hasten a slide for one of the better wings. Produced 98 points in 57 games as Brampton’s captain, and won gold with Canada at the World Juniors.
Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL) — The Sabres have taken a defenseman with their first pick twice in the past 11 drafts, and both of those were No. 1 overall selections (Rasmus Dahlin in 2018 and Owen Power in 2021). The last time before that was 2013 when Rasmus Ristolainen was drafted with the eighth pick. But the 6-foot-5 Czech would fill a big need for a heavy right-shot on the blue line. “High-character kid,” Forton said. “High ceiling.” Mrtka is the pick in this mock from The Athletic.
Kashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie (OHL) — A hard hitter described as “a nightmare to play against,” has also been routed to Buffalo by an NHL.com mock drafter. While shorter (6-2) than Mrtka, and a left-shot, Aitcheson’s physical style would bolster Buffalo’s prospect pool and further the organizational commitment to developing more toughness. Aitcheson also has offensive ability, ranking third among OHL defensemen with 26 goals in 64 games. “There’s very few players in junior hockey, college hockey and Europe that play the way he plays,” Forton said. “Very unique, and he brings some offense off the heavy shot as well.”
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Jonah Bronstein joined the WIVB squad in 2022 as a digital sports reporter. The Buffalonian has covered the Bills, Sabres, Bandits, Bisons, colleges, high schools and other notable sporting events in Western New York since 2005, for publications including The Associated Press, The Buffalo News, and Niagara Gazette. Read more of his work here.