Buffalo Sabres 2015 Draft Recap
Buffalo Sabres - 1st Round (2nd Overall): C Jack Eichel (Boston Univ., HE)
Name: 
Jack Eichel
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Height/Weight: 6’2, 194 lbs
Born: October 28, 1996, North Chelmsford, MA
Central Scouting Rankings (Prelim/Mid/Final): ”A“/ 2nd NA/ 2nd NA
Summary: Arguably the most complete player among his peers, Eichel is a unique blend of power and finesse with a thorough understanding of the game. His arsenal of skills, however, is not the sole reason for his high standing. He is a born leader with a tremendous desire to succeed and leads by example. He has an uncanny ability to change the complexion of a game at a moment’s notice with or without the puck. Possesses a heavy, accurate shot with a quick release, and is adept at getting it through screens and clogged shooting lanes. Does not need backswing to generate velocity, and the deceptiveness of his off-wing wrist shot is reminiscent of Mark Messier. He is an excellent skater with breakaway speed and NHL-caliber leg drive.
Buffalo Sabres - 2nd Round (51st Overall): LHD Brendan Guhle (Prince Albert, WHL))
Name: Brendan Guhle
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6’2, 184
Born: July 29, 1997, Edmonton, AB
Central Scouting Rankings (Prelim/Mid/Final): NR/ 76th NA/ 56th NA
Summary: Smooth-skater with offensive instincts who had a solid season for Prince Albert. He likes to join the rush but can be indecisive at times. Plays like Devils’ defenseman John Moore in that he can wow you one shift then vanish for the rest of the game. Very capable of playing on a top power play unit.
Buffalo Sabres - 4th Round (92nd Overall): RHD Will Borgen (Moorhead, MN-HS))
Name: Will Borgen
Position: Defenseman
Height/Weight: 6’2, 190 lbs
Shoots: Right
Born: December 19, 1996, Moorhead, MN
Central Scouting Rankings (Prelim/Mid/Final): NR/ 194th NA/ 114th NA
Summary: Excellent all-around blueliner who shot up the rankings thanks to his versatility and offensive upside. He’s big, can skate and punish you physically. Borgen is headed to St. Cloud State in the fall.
Buffalo Sabres - 5th Round (122nd Overall): LHD Devante Stephens (Kamloops, WHL)
Name: Devante Stephens
Position: Defenseman
Height/Weight: 6’1, 171 lbs
Shoots: Left
Born: January 2, 1997, Surrey, BC
Central Scouting Rankings (Prelim/Mid/Final): NR/ 108th NA/ 116th NA
Summary: Rock-solid positional defender who played a big top-4 role in Kelowna’s WHL championship season. His offensive upside is still a mystery but he does possess a highly-active stick and can play a physical game despite being listed under 180 pounds.
Buffalo Sabres - 6th Round (152nd Overall): C Giorgio Estephan (Lethbridge, WHL)
Name: Giorgio Estephan
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Height/Weight: 6’0, 188 lbs
Born: February 3, 1997, Edmonton, AB
Central Scouting Rankings (Prelim/Mid/Final): C/ NR/ 144th NA
Summary: Lethbridge’s playmaking center who was invisible the first third of the season before exploding for 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists) in his last 33 games. Former fourth overall pick in the WHL draft but his tale of two seasons makes him a worthy boom-or-bust gamble.
Buffalo Sabress - 7th Round (182nd Overall): LHD Ivan Chukarov (US U18, NTDP)
Name: Ivan Chukarov
Position: Defenseman
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6’2, 190 lbs
Born: April 3, 1995, Des Plaines, IL
Central Scouting Rankings (Prelim/Mid/Final): NR/ NR/ NR
Summary: Led all NAHL defensemen with a +38 rating while playing for former NHL’er Corey Millen with the Minnesota Wilderness. The Chicago-area native is a prototypical possession-style defenseman who can skate and pass the puck while playing a strong positional game. He’s heading to UMass-Amhearst in the Fall.