Buffalo Sabres Mock Draft 2016: Jakob Chychrun

In the first of a new series, we take a look at some of the prospects the Buffalo Sabres are expected to consider with the eighth pick in the NHL draft, starting with defenseman Jakob Chychrun.

With the NHL draft fast approaching, Buffalo Sabres fans could be forgiven for being more excited than usual. With this year’s event taking place at First Niagara Center, it promises to be a memorable occasion.

The anticipation is helped by the fact the Sabres finally got back on the right track last season, after suffering at the bottom of the standings the two previous campaigns. Further, they may not have the second overall pick this year, but they are still in position to draft a top prospect.

With that in mind, in the coming days we will take a look at some of the players they are most likely to select with the eighth pick in the 2016 draft. We start with the Sarnia Sting’s defenseman, Jakob Chychrun.

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Highlighting the unpredictable nature of the draft once you get past the first few picks, whether Chychrun will still be available for the Sabres depends on who you speak to. Whereas some hockey analysts believe they will be lucky to have a shot at him when it’s their turn to pick, others think he could actually drop outside the top 10, after a down season.

Make no mistake about it though, either way the 18-year old is still regarded as one of the top defensive defensive prospects in this year’s draft class. What makes him even more enticing for Buffalo, is that he fits their pressing need for a left-handed defenseman.

In a delightful twist of irony, Chychrun already has ties to the Sabres organization, through the owner’s youngest daughter, Kelly Pegula. The two became close while growing up at school in Florida, through their mutual love for hockey.

As a result, the 2014 Jack Ferguson Award recipient met Kelly’s father, and went on to build a relationship with the family. Of course, any friendship will not be the main reason the Sabres select him, but it could prove to be an interesting subplot as we get closer to June 24.

Jan 3, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills team owner Terry Pegula before a game against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

For his part, Chychrun has already said he would have no problem playing in Western New York. Speaking to Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald, he said: “It’s a great hockey city.

“I’m familiar with (the ownership) and I think it’d be a great place to play. I think they have a lot of key young pieces.”

Despite being perceived as having a substandard season in some quarters, the Sting’s alternate captain still recorded 49 points in 62 games, good enough for fourth among all OHL defensemen. Scouts talk about his error-free play and ability to impact the game in all three zones.

For his part, Chychrun acknowledges he could have played better: “I didn’t have the year I wanted.

“I understand the other two D-men in the conversation had great years. We’ll see how it pans out.”

One thing that gives the American-born Canadian international an advantage over a lot of other prospects is he was coached by his father growing up. His father just happens to be one Jeff Chychrun, who was drafted 37th overall in 1984 and enjoyed an eight-year career in the NHL, including winning the Stanley Cup in 1992.

Classed as a two-way defender, Chychrun is blessed with size and uncanny instincts. Overall, assuming he is still available at number eight, the Sabres will find it tough to bypass him.

Next: Is Stamkos really a viable option in Buffalo?

Assuming Jakob Chychrun is still available when the Sabres pick in the first round, would you select him? If not, who would you prefer they go for and why? Let us know in the comments section below.

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