The Buffalo Sabres headed into day 2 of the BRHL draft with 5 picks after making no selections on day 1. This is a big departure from the rebuilding days. The draft choices were made with picks 136, 168, 190, 200 & 216. Since these are all late picks, the players taken are all long shots to be impactful NHLers, but stranger things have happened. Let's take a look at the new Sabres prospects entering the pool:

 

136th Overall:

Cam (Cameron) Allen RHD 6'0" 194lbs - Guelph Storm (OHL)

Allen was a highly touted two-way defender a year out from the NHL draft but saw his draft stock plummet when he failed to improve on his OHL rookie season. To make matters worse, he required surgery to repair an ailing shoulder and missed most of last season but eventually got in 25 games. Those 25 games weren't bad per se, but he never really seemed to get back up to speed offensively. He's got an off-season here to re-coup and hopefully be more impactful next season. He's got a bit of everything in his game, great at defending off the rush, he keeps an active stick with good gap control, he can be physical when the situation calls for it, makes a good first pass, and has a booming shot from the point.

GM Notes: "This is a real boom or bust type of pick. I think this season will show whether he's got NHL upside or not so he'll need to show some progression in his game."

 

168th Overall:

Aaron Pionk RHD 6'1" 172lbs - University of Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA)

Yes, this is the brother of NHL defenceman Neal Pionk and the two have a lot of similarities in their games. Both are puck moving right shot Dmen. Both are smooth skaters who excell at shutting down rush chances. Both are capable of QBing a PP. Aaron finished 2nd in scoring for Dmen on his team and had a very respectable first season in the NCAA. This was his third year of draft eligibility so he looks like a bit of a late bloomer and can hopefully continue his development.

GM Notes: "I'm not sure why some of the defenceman in this draft were falling, but we're quite pleased to add Pionk to the prospect pool. I don't see any reason he couldn't have a similar impact as his brother at the NHL level."

 

190th Overall:

Sean Keohane LHD 6'4" 183lbs - West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL)

While the two defenceman drafted ahead of Keohane bring physical elements to their games, Sean's large frame makes him a far more imposing figure on a blueline. He's a defensive minded Dman so his point totals won't jump out at you and he won't be expected to carry an offense or QB a PP. While not the fastest skater he does move well for a big guy and has really good mobility. He's committed to Harvard University next season so he's also a really smart kid.

GM Notes: "As you can see from the first three picks, the goal in this draft was to bring in some defenders to the prospect pool. That may have been a good call seeing how the Dmen were falling."

 

200th Overall:

Ethan Hay C 6'1" 194lbs - Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

Saginaw brought in Hay specifically to bolster their roster for their memorial cup run as the host city. You might look at his stats and scratch your head thinking "but why?". Ethan has been one of the top faceoff guys in the OHL since entering the league. He also has shown he's great in a shutdown roll and isn't afraid to drop the gloves to protect teammates or change the momentum of the game, or just light a spark under his team. There is an offensive element to his game as well that hasn't been utilized yet, but entering his forth OHL season he may get an opportunity to show that off.

GM Notes: "I can just imagine this guy on Tampa's 4th line as a defensive specialist. Not a sexy pick by any means, but you need those types of players to win."

 

216th Overall:

David Klee C/W 6'2" 181lbs - Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

David is quite shifty for his size, he's able to beat defenders one on one with head fakes, jukes and toe drags which he does with regularity. That might be surprising to hear because when you hear the name Klee, you think of his father Ken and his lack of offensive prowess but that isn't the case for son David. That offense can be inconsistent though as he seems to produce in spurts before disappearing for stretches. And while he does have a bit of nastiness to his game, he needs to use his size more often.

GM Notes: "A long shot for sure, but seems like a good player to have in the system."

 

Even if these players only turn into AHL players it will be a fairly successful draft for the Sabres. That's about all you can hope for from rounds 5 and later. Fingers are crossed though that I might find the next Drew O'Connor or Dominik Kahun.

Have a great off-season everyone and see you in UFA!