Buffalo Sabres: Post trade deadline 2019 NHL draft rankings
By Austin Owens
Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko headline a 2019 NHL Draft class that’s dominated by a plethora of American and European talent who could be options for the Buffalo Sabres in the top 15.
The NHL trade deadline has come and gone, and while some teams loaded up to make runs at the Stanley Cup, others sold off assets or stood pat, like the Buffalo Sabres, with an eye on the upcoming 2019 NHL Draft in June.
As is the case with almost every draft, there’s a consensus first overall pick in 2019. Jack Hughes will unquestionably be the first name off the board. But when it comes to the rest of the picks, there’s some room for speculation.
Finnish prodigy Kaapo Kakko has grabbed the second spot in rankings and doesn’t look to be letting go. He’s even had some people suggest that he could take the top spot.
There are several teams that will go into this draft with multiple first rounders, the most intriguing of which being the Colorado Avalanche. They acquired a pick from the Ottawa Senators in the Matt Duchene deal. As a result of Ottawa keeping their pick and selecting Brady Tkachuk last year, Colorado could end up with Hughes this summer. The Avs also have their own draft pick, which is currently in the lottery as well due to their recent struggles.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Buffalo Sabres will have two selections in the draft.
There’s an incredible amount of talent in the draft, especially to teams in the lottery. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 15 prospects on our board.