Buffalo Sabres Select Eight Players in 2025 NHL Draft

The Buffalo Sabres made significant strides in fortifying their roster during the 2025 NHL Draft, held on June 27 and 28, 2025. The team made a total of eight selections, including a notable first-round pick, defenseman Radim Mrtka, who was chosen ninth overall. This year's draft strategy emphasized adding size and skill, particularly on the blue line, as the Sabres aim to enhance their competitiveness in the NHL.

The draft commenced with the selection of Radim Mrtka, a towering right-shot defenseman from the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL. Measuring 6-foot-6 and weighing 218 pounds, Mrtka was recognized as the fifth-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. His physical presence and potential for growth were highlighted by Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams, who stated, "It’s extremely challenging to get those types of players if you don’t draft them, so we just felt when that guy’s on the board, that was the right pick to make" (Adams, 2025).

On Day 2 of the draft, the Sabres made strategic moves, including trading their second-round pick for immediate roster help, acquiring defenseman Conor Timmins from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team ultimately ended the draft with nine new prospects, comprising four forwards, three defensemen, and two goaltenders. Jerry Forton, the Sabres' Assistant General Manager overseeing amateur scouting, noted, "We obviously want to be a playoff team in the near future, and for a long time here, so you’re trying to target playoff-type players" (Forton, 2025).

The Sabres' selections included: - **Round 1, Pick 9: Radim Mrtka, RHD – Seattle (WHL)** Mrtka's skill set and size drew comparisons to elite defensemen, with NHL analyst Mike G. Morreale stating, "He’s already a big guy at 6-6, but when he begins to learn the game even more, what he can do with that size frame, I think it’s gonna be pretty scary" (Morreale, 2025). - **Round 3, Pick 71: David Bedkowski, RHD – Owen Sound (OHL)** At 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, Bedkowski is known for his physical play, stating, "A big open-ice hit can change the course of a game" (Bedkowski, 2025). - **Round 4, Pick 103: Matous Kucharcik, C – Slavia Jr. (Czech Jr.)** Kucharcik comes from a prominent hockey family and is expected to provide two-way play (Forton, 2025). - **Round 4, Pick 116: Samuel Meloche, G – Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL)** Meloche's performance in the QMJHL was impressive, ranking fifth in games played and leading in shutouts. - **Round 5, Pick 135: Noah Laberge, LHD – Acadie Bathurst (QMJHL)** Noted for his skating abilities and two-way game, Laberge ranked third among draft-eligible defensemen in the QMJHL (Laberge, 2025). - **Round 6, Pick 167: Ashton Schultz, C – Chicago (USHL)** Schultz led his team with 39 points in the USHL and is committed to North Dakota for collegiate play. - **Round 7, Pick 195: Melvin Novotny, F – Leksands Jr. (Sweden – JR.)** With 38 points in his last season, Novotny aims to play physically and creatively. - **Round 7, Pick 199: Yevgeni Prokhorov, G – Dinamo-Shinnik (MHL)** Prokhorov is another promising goalie prospect, showing potential with a .943 save percentage in six playoff games. - **Round 7, Pick 219: Ryan Rucinski, RW – Youngstown (USHL)** Rucinski ranked fourth on his team and is set to play at Ohio State.

The Sabres' latest draft picks reflect a clear strategy to enhance their roster with skilled players who can contribute immediately and develop into future stars. As the organization continues to build towards a more competitive team, the emphasis on size and skill aligns with the evolving dynamics of playoff hockey. The implications of these selections could shape the Sabres' fortunes in the coming seasons, as they strive to establish themselves as perennial playoff contenders in the NHL.