Buffalo Sabres: Top 5 Prospects Of 2014-15

By PowerPlayCJ

Buffalo Sabres: Top 5 Prospects Of 2014-15

2014 NHL Draft - Portraits - Rounds 2-7 — The Buffalo Sabres are one of the worst teams in hockey, and they are essentially tanking this season for a shot at a high pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Having said that, their recent history of ineptitude has landed them many high picks that have intriguing upside. These young players will make up the bulk of the Sabres' future, which surely will be brighter than their present.

5. Anthony Florentino

Anthony Florentino

5. Anthony Florentino

Anthony Florentino — Florentino is a ways away from the NHL but his game is solid. He plays the kind of no-nonsense, steady game that every team in the league wants. With his offensive upside rounding out and an opportunity to represent the U.S. at the World Juniors, the West Roxbury, MA native is one of the most underrated prospects in the organization.

4. Rasmus Ristolainen

Rasmus Ristolainen

4. Rasmus Ristolainen

Rasmus Ristolainen — The 20-year-old defenseman is with the Sabres now, but with one point in 16 games, a minor league assignment could be coming. There’s no need to panic as Ristolainen has produced at every level he’s played at, and him being a consistent producer in the NHL can’t be far off.

3. Mikhail Grigorenko

Mikhail Grigorenko

3. Mikhail Grigorenko

Mikhail Grigorenko — Grigorenko spent parts of the last two seasons with the Sabres before returning to the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts. He is now in the AHL with the Rochester Americans. The step back will end up being best for Grigorenko, as playing against men in the minor leagues will make for a smoother transition into the NHL for him.

2. Nikita Zadorov

Nikita Zadorov

2. Nikita Zadorov

Nikita Zadorov — For the second straight year, Zadorov is starting the season with the Sabres, and he has a better-than-average chance of sticking around this time. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound defenseman has shown his amazing upside with the OHL’s London Knights, and the time has come for him to play in the NHL.

1. Sam Reinhart

2014 NHL Draft - Portraits - Round 1

1. Sam Reinhart

2014 NHL Draft - Portraits - Round 1 — Reinhart was supposed to be a key contributor for the Sabres, but was instead sent back to the WHL’s Kootenay Ice. The extra year of junior hockey will be beneficial to his development as the no. 2 pick in the 2014 Draft will be a huge contributor for the Sabres in the future.

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Buffalo Sabres

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