Tavares, Hedman, and Duschene will be the first three youngsters taken in the NHL draft. Like Buffalo, the Islanders, Lightning and Avs are in need of an impact player that will pay immediate dividends. Their forwards were the achilles heel of the team last season. They lacked finish and they could not put the biscuit in the basket late in close games. They largely lacked a snarl and a bad attitude in games against eastern opponents. That will all change with a couple of trips to the podium at the draft on Friday night. This NHL draft is thick with difference makers. The Sabres like their position, however, they'd be more elated if they could hop the escalator to the to 7 so that they can make a play on forwards Schenn and Kane.
I'm told that they have set their cross hairs on Peterborough Pete power forward, Zack Kassian. He's big. He's tough. He's bad, to coin a Michael Jackson lyric.
Kassian is EXACTLY what the Sabres need right now. He's a beast on the wall, he loves to defend, and he can tickle the twine with great dexterity. Now that Al Kotalik is gone, the Sabres have a need for a Lucic-type winger. Marc Mancari is in Portland, however, he's not shown the ability to score with regularity yet. Time to fortify. Darcy Regier likes his skilled wingers, and he's brought in Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy, and Tyler Ennis for future production. One thing-- these guys are skilled, however, they lack size. Its time to hulk up and go get a thick, rugged winger who will stick up for Vanek, Roy, Stafford, Pommer, and the rest of the Buffalo skill guys.
Central Scouting ranks Kassian in its Top 10. Buffalo draft in the 13 hole. They have assets in the system like which gives them the ability to trade up to insure that they get their guy.
Is all hope dashed if Kassian goes off the board early? No.
Look for them to focus their laser on Lethbridge RW, Ashton Carter. The 6'3 205 forward can get it done.
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