Buffalo Sabres 2019 NHL Draft Rankings: Looking at potential lottery targets

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It’s a little harder to gauge a player coming out of the Junior A ranks, simply because they’re playing against what is generally looked at as lesser competition.

Newhook has stayed away from major junior in order to attend college, and in his time with the Victoria Grizzlies, he’s posted ridiculous numbers.

He was well over a point per game during his first season in the BCHL in 2017-18. This year, he put up 38 goals and 102 points in 53 games.

"“Absolute dominance in the BCHL, for the second straight season. Just five of his 34 goals have come on the power play, making him a force at even strength.” – Sam Cosentino, Sportsnet"

After this season, Newhook will be headed to Boston College to form a formidable duo alongside Boldy. He will likely see multiple years with the Eagles before he makes his professional debut. He has the ability to be special, but he needs some more time to get there.

In the 2018 draft, Adam Boqvist was selected eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Soderstrom is looking to be the second defender taken in the lottery in as many years from Brynas.

"“A puck-moving and fast-paced blueliner who loves to create offence. Enjoys controlling the pace of play. Quick outlets, sharp edges and doesn’t shy away from physical play. Needs to continue to work on his defensive decision-making and positional play.” – Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects"

Soderstrom comes in at just under 6-feet, but he’s a right-handed shot that teams will covet. There are very few things that the blueliner leaves to be desired, which is fantastic for any organization looking for help on the back end at the end of the lottery.

While some draft pundits have said that he doesn’t exhibit the flash of Boqvist, he’s just a sturdy defender who will get the job done.

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Caufield is going to be compared to the likes of Alex DeBrincat and Kailer Yamamoto – two players whose draft stock would have been higher had they not been undersized.

The winger is listed at 5-foot-7, 157 pounds. DeBrincat has changed the thinking on smaller players, which will help Caufield, who’s going to fill a lot of nets when he makes it to pro.

In the same game that Hughes broke Keller’s career points record, Caufield broke Phil Kessel’s career goals mark with the USNTDP.

Caufield has a video game like 79 goals on the campaign. He’s managed to pot 27 of those against USHL competition.

“Sure, he’s small, but so is Alex DeBrincat. Caufield’s offensive instincts and terrific skating ability – along with having virtually no quit in his game – make him a threat nearly every time he’s on the ice.” – Hannah Stuart, theScore
He will be attending the University of Wisconsin with Turcotte next season so the team that drafts him will have to wait for at least a year. Caufield is primed to go higher than either of his predecessors.

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Broberg had legitimate top five hype heading into the season due to a solid performance at the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament. However, he’s fallen off a little due to a rough year production wise.

Soderstrom has passed him as the best defenceman out of Sweden, due in part to playing in the Swedish top flight while Broberg has been in the Allsvenskan – the Swedish second tier.

"“A wonderful skater with size and sharp instincts, Broberg at this stage of his development remains a huge swing for the fences if he goes high in the first round. He checks all the block on offense, but his defense leaves a lot to be desired.” – Steve Kournianos, Sporting News"

The 6-foot-3 defender has split the year between the main AIK squad and the junior team. In the SuperElit, Broberg was a point per game player. However, he only managed nine points across 41 contests in the Allsvenskan. The sporadic numbers have hurt his stock.

He still needs to spend some time overseas to grow his game. The physical tools and upside are there.

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If you’re looking for goals in this draft, there are a few marquee names to choose from in the first round.

Kaliyev has taken a leap up draft boards with his ability to fill nets this season. His ability to set up teammates has been overlooked slightly due to the gaudy goal totals. Kaliyev has 51 goals on the year as well as 51 helpers.

"“Owner of one of the deadliest shots you’ll find in this draft class, the Staten Island-born Kaliyev has developed into a well-rounded scorer and is starting to use his thick frame to his advantage. ” – Steve Kournianos, Sporting News"

102 points in a draft year is a ridiculous showing. Especially for a player that is in major junior.

He won’t have another chance to showcase his abilities in the CHL this season. Hamilton was swiftly knocked out of the playoffs by the Ottawa 67s, who swept the first-round series.