Buffalo Sabres: 2019 NHL Mock Draft

David: It was definitely a deflating playoff for the Flames, who were bounced in the first round. To add insult, they have a late first because of their place in the standings. There is still a lot of talent to be had, however, and the Flames get one of the most intriguing players in the first round.

Passed over twice already in the draft, Leason’s third go will have him off the board within the first two rounds.

For a 6-foot-4 forward, the foot speed is obviously lacking, but that can improve with time. He just has a nose for the net and is able to finish from distance and in the blue paint.

Leason also offers a dynamic that not a lot of players can, coming out of the draft: he can immediately make the jump to the AHL.

He’s more physically mature than others in this class and he should be able to crack a roster quicker as well.

Calgary will like the size and scoring ability in their lineup. There might not be much more growing to do when it comes to Leason. What you saw this season is what you’re going to get, and the Flames should be very happy with what they’re getting in the 20-year-old.

Austin: The Lightning love the draft, as it seems as though they hit on a majority of players they take every year.

Brink would be an absolute steal in this position, as the USHL product is one of the most underrated names in this entire first-round crop.

He’s a dynamic playmaker who has shined on the international stage with the United States. He’s gotten comparisons to several big-name American forwards like Joe Pavelski and Brock Boeser.

Tampa doesn’t need another top forward, they could trade this pick for more draft capital. But with the quality at the back end of this draft, the Lightning look poised to add another good prospect.

Jake: It was a Cinderella run for Carolina during this year’s playoffs. Unfortunately, Boston ended the storm surge in the Eastern Conference Finals. This will be the latest the ‘Canes will pick in the first round since 2009 when they selected Philippe Paradis with the No. 27 pick.

What sets Pelletier apart from other forwards is his compete level, which is one of the highest in the draft. He has a good shot, which scouts say is more deceptive than heavy, and is also exceptionally good at finishing around the net for someone of his size – think Brendan Gallagher.

He did have injury issues during the season that limited him to seven games in the playoffs. It also hampered his ability slightly in the postseason and the U-18 Worlds.

Pelletier is that pesky scorer that fits the Hurricanes perfectly. The Bunch of Jerks will be happy to have the winger.

(Via San Jose)

David: With their first pick, the Ducks landed a forward. So snagging a defender would do them well at the back end of the first round.

Draft pundits have said that Björnfot is a very safe pick who can be a solid presence on an NHL blue line for years to come, but with teams looking for a home-run selection, is the Swede a solid player in this spot? Absolutely.

He makes the right decisions in most situations and he can move the puck up and defend his own end consistently. Björnfot has been a captain in the U-18 ranks for Sweden and can be a mature stopgap in the NHL.

He was able to play games in the SHL at the end of this past year. He’ll definitely be getting more reps in the Swedish top flight next season.

Austin: It was between McMichael and Nils Hoglander for this pick, and while the Swedish forward offers a high-skill package, his size makes me think that the B’s would be less inclined to take him based on their play style.

As I’ve stated in the past, I’m not willing to bet against a prospect that played under the Hunters in London. They’re just an NHL player factory.

McMichael was the Knights’ leading scorer this past season, out-producing Columbus 2018 first-rounder Liam Foudy.

He doesn’t possess that dynamic skill of others, but he can kill you in several different ways. That fits perfectly for the Bruins, who will love McMichael’s pro-style approach to the game.

(Via St. Louis)

Jake: Buffalo certainly thought this pick was going to be much higher a few months ago, but they’ll still be able to nab a solid contributor for the future.

For all the flash and dash on the USNTDP this year, Vlasic was the no-nonsense defender that their team needed. Despite his hulking 6-foot-6 frame, he skates very well and has some offensive upside.

He’s the cousin of San Jose Sharks defender Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and if he can turn out anything like his family member, the Sabres will be laughing all the way to the bank with this pick.