2025 NHL Draft Buffalo Sabres: A Crucial Opportunity to Reshape the Roster
The 2025 NHL Draft is a game changer for teams looking to retool their rosters, and The Buffalo Sabres are at the center of it. With the 9th overall pick, the Sabres have a chance to fill in defensive gaps or use that pick to jump into the playoff picture. This year’s class may not have that one in for which there is no other, but it is very strong in defense men and the Sabres’ approach will be a balance between present requirements and also what is best for the long term health of the organization.
Top Prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft: Defensemen Lead the Pack
Matthew Schaefer: The Projected Top Defenseman
Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters. In terms of play style Schaefer’s speed, four way mobility and competitiveness has made him the favorite to take the top defense spot and go first overall in the draft which was despite a season that saw him out due to illness and injury. Also at 6’2 and a willing body checker for the team he is the model of the top pairing NHL defense man.
Jackson Smith: Aggressive Two-Way Defenseman
Behind Schaefer is Jackson Smith of the Tri City Americans which is also a very high up and coming blueliner with a very aggressive two way game. Smith’s size, speed, and offensive touch has scouts putting him forward that he will be a very impactful player in the future. Also of note is that Smith is putting his development at Penn State which is him setting out to improve his game at the college level.
Other First-Round Defensemen to Watch
- Radim Mrtka (Czech Republic): A 6’6’’ right hander in terms of defense which is at the NHL level in size for him but in terms of skating and puck skills he falls behind other top prospects.
- Logan Hensler (University of Wisconsin): A 6’2’’ right shot defenseman which also has it all in terms of skating and decision making skills that’s what Hensler brings to the table. Also, he is thought of as an immediate addition and impact player at the NHL level.
- Kashawn Aitcheson and Cameron Reid: Both left side defensemen which play different games. Aitcheson is physical, Reid is not.
Buffalo Sabres’ 2025 NHL Draft Strategy: Strengthening Defensive Depth
The Sabres’ past few years have seen them struggle to add consistent talent to go along with their star defensemen Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power. In this draft they have a chance to turn that around, going in at pick 9 which also happens to be at the end of what is projected to be a run of centers. If the elite forwards are gone by the time of the draft, Buffalo is expected to go defense. We see Hensler as the top option with Mrtka also in the running.
Hensler’s Appeal for the Sabres
Hensler’s college and pro experience puts him at the front of the line to make that jump to the NHL. His right wing shot and hockey IQ may fit with Dahlin or Power which in turn will strengthen Buffalo’s top four for the long term.
Mrtka’s Upside and Risks
While Mrtka may put in the hard work and appear ready physically, that alone isn’t enough as regards his ice time management and decision making. Should the team go ahead of the Buffalo choice for this prospect, they might find in Hensler a more NHL-ready player from the start.
Should Buffalo go without a defenseman pick, we may see high end forward options like James Hagens or Porter Martone drop to No. 9. Both players are of top 5 talent but may fall to teams with greater need at other positions earlier in the draft.
Buffalo Sabres’ Trade Possibilities: Open to Moving the 9th Overall Pick
General Manager Kevyn Adams reports the organization’s intention to trade the No. 9 pick into other drafts if it will better the present team. As the Sabres go through a 14-year period without a playoff appearance, the front office is trying to balance what is best for the long term with what will turn things around in the short term. Also reported is that the field is open to any option which includes the possibility of that pick being traded for help which is urgent.
“If at all we have a chance to improve our team with pick nine we will go for it, also we are very much set in our goal of present as well as long term success.”
2025 NHL Draft Dynamics: Pittsburgh Penguins and Other Teams in Play
The Pittsburgh Penguins, which hold the 10th and 11th overall picks (the latter from the New York Rangers), are also a team to watch. Pittsburgh may trade these picks up to move up in the draft, which in turn could see them pass Buffalo if a very talented player drops into the first five picks. Also, the Pens may stand pat and add a defenseman and a forward to the fold. We see options like Jackson Smith, Kashawn Aitcheson, or Cameron Reid at defense and risky but talented forwards in the mix of Roger McQueen or Carter Bear.
Beyond Round One: Wild Cards and Sleeper Prospects to Watch
In the first round we see lots of high upside talent; however, in later rounds there will be wild cards with the potential to become NHL players. This includes centers like LJ Mooney and Ivan Ryabkin, wingers Ryker Lee and Ben Kevan, and defensemen Carter Amico and Kurban Limatov. These players can provide long-term value for patient teams.
Players to Avoid Early in the 2025 NHL Draft
Teams are advised to stay away from surefire picks in the top 10 such as Brady Martin, who is a Sam Bennett look alike, and centers Caleb Desnoyers and Jake O’Brien, whose offensive ceilings do not compare with Martone, Hagens, or Misa. Also, goalies like Josh Ravensbergen are risky first-round investments due to the unpredictable nature of goalie development.
Conclusion: High Stakes for Buffalo Sabres in the 2025 NHL Draft
The 2025 NHL Draft is a turning point for the Buffalo Sabres as they determine whether to add a top defensive prospect to strengthen their blue line, pursue a falling talent forward, or trade out of their pick for immediate help. With the franchise on a mission to end its playoff absence and build a sustainable contender, each choice will be scrutinized. As the draft plays out, the Sabres’ strategy—whether patient or aggressive—will set the direction of the team’s future for years to come.
References
- The Buffalo Sabres hold the 9th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, aiming to improve their defensive depth or trade for immediate help 3 2.
- GM Kevyn Adams has stated the team is open to trading the No. 9 pick to strengthen the current roster 2.
- Top defensive prospects in the 2025 draft include Matthew Schaefer, Jackson Smith, and Logan Hensler, who are expected to be high-impact players 6 5.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins, holding the 10th and 11th picks, could influence the Sabres’ draft strategy through trades or selections 4 5.
- The Sabres have missed the playoffs for 14 consecutive seasons and are focused on building a sustainable contender through the draft2 6.
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