Buffalo Sabres: Post trade deadline 2019 NHL draft rankings
By Austin Owens
Kaliyev is unquestionably the best goal scorer this draft has to offer. However, he’s also an incredibly underrated distributor of the puck.
Putting up 90 points in a draft year is a tough feat, and Kaliyev has nine games to shatter 100 on the campaign – along with 50 goals.
He’s taken a big leap with his performance this season and should be held in high regard by teams that are looking for a player with a nose for the net.
Newhook is the latest highly touted prospect to play Junior A hockey in his draft year. He’s an incredibly skilled forward who has elite speed and can make breathtaking plays without breaking stride.
The Victoria Grizzlies’ captain will be heading to Boston College next season. So a team picking outside the top 10 could scoop him up and let him grow into the top-six forward that he’s billed to be. He won’t be relied upon immediately and can further hone his game over a few NCAA seasons.
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It’s never been a question of skill with Lavoie. He has it in spades, displaying an ability to both score and set up teammates while having above-average skating for his frame (6-foot-4, 198 pounds).
As Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino put it, Lavoie displays a “matter-of-fact attitude.” You’re not too sure what player is going to show up on a game-to-game basis. If he can fix that, he’ll be something special in the NHL.
He’s the best prospect available from the QMJHL and teams will covet his size and ability.
Suzuki, the first overall pick in the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, was overshadowed last season by Andrei Svechnikov – the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
It’s his team this year, and he’s managed to put together a solid sophomore campaign. He’s lost his spot as the top prospect from the OHL, but that has to do with the stellar play of Kaliyev.
The younger brother of former first-rounder Nick is one of the best playmakers in the draft. He has an incredible mind for the game and exhibits great passing and vision on a nightly basis.
Broberg had the opportunity to play for Sweden at the 2019 World Juniors after Timothy Liljegren was sidelined with a lower-body injury. That gave him some valuable experience in his draft year.
He’s posted nearly a point per game with AIK’s under-20 team this year but has had trouble posting consistent numbers with the senior team.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Broberg has one of the most powerful skating strides in the entire class. However, draft pundits have raised concerns over his tendency to try and do too much, causing turnovers in the process. Stickhandling is also an area that’s needs improvement.
Next. Sabres show their intent with Brandon Montour trade. dark
He’s still a raw talent. But with some seasoning, he can become a reliable top-four blue-liner.