Buffalo Sabres rank No. 3 in NHL Pipeline Rankings for 2023
Buffalo was the No. 1 pipeline last year and by a significant margin. That’s reflected by the fact they graduated Rasmus Dahlin and Mattias Samuelsson and are still top five. I’m a big fan of what’s been built in Buffalo between the Jason Botterill and Kevyn Adams eras, and think they will be a Stanley Cup contender sometime in the next few years if they can get even decent goaltending.
Key additions: Zach Benson, Anton Wahlberg, Maxim Strbak, Scott Raztlaff
Key graduates: Rasmus Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson
2022 ranking: No. 1
2023 NHL Draft grade: B+
Full 2023-24 NHL Pipeline Rankings
Player Ranking
1. Dylan Cozens, C
2/9/2001 | 6-foot-3 | 195 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 7 in 2019
Tier: Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: To say Cozens had a breakout season would be an understatement. Cozens was a leading player on a top NHL offense. He scored 68 points, while killing penalties, all as a 21-year-old center in the league. Cozens ticks every box you want in a front-line pivot. He’s a tall, fast forward with very good hands who makes plays and drives a line at even strength. He’s a competitor who uses his length to win battles. He’s not an elite passer, but he can run a power play from the flank especially due to his dangerous shot. Cozens is on the trajectory of being a longtime star center in the NHL.
2. Owen Power, D
11/22/2002 | 6-foot-6 | 218 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 1 in 2021
Tier: NHL All-Star
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: High-end
Compete: NHL average
Analysis: Power was one of the very best rookies in the NHL this past season, playing real minutes for Buffalo and on both special teams. Power is a super-intelligent defenseman. He sees the ice and has the skills of a 5-10 defenseman while being 6-6. He can hit seams at a high rate and has the hands, patience and vision to run a power play and create off the blue line. Power is quite mobile for a big man, and although he’s not that physical, he projects to shut down top forwards due to that reach and mobility. He looks like a no doubt big minutes player for a long time, and should be an NHL star.
3. Jack Quinn, RW
9/19/2001 | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 8 in 2020
Tier: Top of the lineup player
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: High-end
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Analysis: Quinn’s first full NHL season went well, scoring 37 points and being a part of a high-flying Buffalo offense. Quinn’s pure skill level is very high. He has the quick twitch in his hands and great creativity to beat most defensemen one-on-one with skill. He makes a ton of difficult plays with the puck and is a constant threat inside the offensive zone due to his hands and offensive brain. His skating isn’t the best, as he lacks the ability to pull away from NHL defenders, but he’s got enough size to handle his own in the NHL, and with his skill, he’ll be a good player at even-strength while deadly on the power play. He projects as a first-line wing. An Achilles injury will keep him out until midseason.
4. Zach Benson, LW
5/12/2005 | 5-foot-10 | 170 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 13 in 2023
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Benson has a ton of creativity and offense in his game. He makes high-end skill plays routinely, he’s one of the better passers in junior and projects to be a major asset on an NHL power play. Benson lacks ideal size at 5-foot-9, but he’s relentless in puck battles, often coming out with the puck despite his frame. He’s a responsible, detailed defensive player who is an asset without the puck. His frame, combined with a lack of separation speed, is a concern for his NHL projection even though he’s got good quickness in tight. There is a fair amount of risk on his projection, but his strong compete and tremendous skill, plus his track record of scoring, make you think there is still a very good chance he can become a quality top-six wing in the NHL.
5. JJ Peterka, RW
1/14/2002 | 6-feet | 189 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 34 in 2020
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: High-end
Analysis: Peterka had a successful first NHL season, scoring 32 points and looking like he belonged. Peterka is full of speed and skill, and coming down the wing he can beat a lot of NHL defenders. He can make tough passes and do so with pace. His shot is excellent, as he’s a threat to score from range constantly and often tries to score from bad angles. Peterka isn’t that big, but his compete is solid and with his speed, he can be a quality top-six wing.
6. Jiri Kulich, C
4/14/2004 | 5-foot-11 | 172 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 28 in 2022
Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: High-end
Analysis: Kulich had a very successful first season in North America, scoring 24 goals and 46 points as an 18-year-old in the AHL including a point per game in the playoffs. Kulich is a strong skater with good hands and vision who can make plays in transition. I don’t think he’s the flashiest player though. Kulich is a consistently hard-working forward. He won’t run guys over, but he wins a ton of battles and gives a strong effort every night. Kulich’s shot is a weapon though. He can pick corners from a long way out, and his one timer is a legit NHL weapon. Kulich’s ability to score goals will get him to the NHL, and the rest of his game is well rounded enough even without being that big to project as a quality top-six forward, likely on the wing.
7. Noah Ostlund, C
3/11/2004 | 5-foot-11 | 163 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 16 in 2022
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Ostlund had a good season in Sweden, being a big part of Djurgården’s lineup in the Allsvenskan, and helping lead them to the finals. Ostlund has a lot of talent. He’s got quick feet with strong edges and top speed. He makes high-skilled plays with pace. He’s an excellent passer who sees the ice at a high level. Ostlund doesn’t score many goals, but he has quite a good shot and can score from range, which, combined with his plus IQ, lets him run a power play very well. He’s not that big or physical, but he gives a solid effort. There are times when I watch Ostlund and wonder if he’s dynamic enough at his size to be an NHL center. He may be a wing when it’s all said and done, but the pure tools in total look like a top-six forward
8. Matt Savoie, C
1/1/2004 | 5-foot-9 | 179 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 9 in 2022
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Savoie had another excellent WHL season for Winnipeg, although he arguably didn’t take the step forward into a premier player in the league that some expected he would. Savoie is full of natural ability and work ethic. He buzzes around the ice due to his speed and compete, attacking loose pucks and taking them to the net. He is a very skilled playmaker who makes a ton of difficult plays at very fast speeds. The concern about Savoie is his smaller frame, and there is a minor question of whether he’s actually dynamic offensively or just very good. He’s been a strong two-way center in junior, but there is a question of whether he’s an NHL wing due to that frame as well. Regardless, I see him as a top-six forward in the NHL.
9. Peyton Krebs, C
1/26/2001 | 6-feet | 187 pounds | Shoots left
Acquired via trade
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Below NHL average
Analysis: Krebs had a solid NHL season and world championships for Canada. He’s a good skater who works hard and has legitimate skill and hockey sense. I wouldn’t call him the most dynamic player in the world, and given that he’s not that big it’s led to moderate success in the pros as opposed to the dominant junior player he was. I think Krebs will help an NHL team for a while, but it’s probably more in the way of a two-way middle-six wing than an impact type of player.
10. Anton Wahlberg, C
7/4/2005 | 6-foot-3 | 192 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 39 in 2023
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Wahlberg’s raw toolkit instantly stands out when you watch him. He’s a 6-foot-3 forward who can move very well for his size and has legitimate offensive skills. The way he can pull pucks by opposing defensemen while moving at a fast pace looks like an NHL forward. He plays a direct style, and with his frame plus speed, he can get to the net very well. I don’t think he’s overly physical, but he has some bite in him, gets to the net, and coaches tend to lean on him. Wahlberg’s biggest issue is a lack of vision and so-so decision making with the puck. Wahlberg played center in the J20 level but played wing with Sweden’s U18 team and in the SHL. If he can score just somewhat as a pro, with his size and speed he will have an NHL career as a middle-six forward, whether down the middle or the wing, and I think he’s trending that way.
11. Maxim Strbak, D
4/13/2005 | 6-foot-1 | 198 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 45 in 2023
Tier: Middle of the lineup player
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: High-end
Analysis: Strbak is a defense-first defenseman. He’s a tall, right shot who is mobile and makes a lot of stops due to his reach, feet, physicality and excellent compete level. He brings a strong effort every night, and coaches tend to lean on him in tough situations. I don’t see him as a legit scorer and puck-mover in the NHL, but he’s good enough with the puck, can skate pucks up, and can make enough plays to survive at higher levels. I think he will be a second- or third-pair defenseman in the NHL depending on the level of offense he brings.
12. Devon Levi, G
12/27/2001 | 6-feet | 184 pounds | Catches left
Acquired via trade
Tier: Starting Goaltender
Skating: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Analysis: Levi was again a top player in college hockey even if he didn’t repeat the ridiculous numbers he posted the prior season. He then turned pro and had a good short stint in the NHL for Buffalo. Levi is a very quick and intelligent goalie who showed in college that he has the ability to steal a game. He reads the play at a very high level, and when the puck is moving laterally he has the quickness in his lower half to get across. He plays aggressively when he needs to and competes well in net. With Levi it has always come down to his frame, and whether he will be big enough to be an NHL goalie. I think he will be, but I’m hesitant to tag him as more than a tandem type because of that risk variable. He’s done nothing more than prove people wrong for the last few years so I wouldn’t be shocked if he developed into a legitimate starter.
13. Olivier Nadeau, RW
1/15/2003 | 6-foot-2 | 204 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 97 in 2021
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Nadeau again was a strong scorer in the QMJHL wrapping up a good junior career. He is a big-body winger with skill. He can make flashy plays with the puck, but what makes me think he has a good chance to play NHL games is his direct style of play. He takes pucks to the net, and is quite adept at creating offense around the net. His skating will be the only issue, as he has a clunky stride, but I think he has a lot of the pieces of an NHL winger.
14. Gavin McCarthy, D
6/2/2005 | 6-foot-2 | 165 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 86 in 2023
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: McCarthy’s toolkit is one that should do well in the pro game. He’s got good size, he’s a right shot, he skates well, and he’s showing a lot of offense this season in the USHL. I don’t think he’s a natural puck-mover, but McCarthy has good skill and can make the occasional tough offensive play. His skating allows him to transport pucks up ice. Defensively he’s solid. He can run around a little bit, but he’s quite physical, and his skating lets him close on plays well. I think he will play a regular role on an NHL team even if it’s on a third pairing.
15. Isak Rosen, RW
3/15/2003 | 5-foot-11 | 156 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 14 in 2021
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Rosen had a productive 19-year-old season in the AHL, scoring 37 points for Rochester. He had a solid world juniors for Sweden as well. He’s a good skater with very good hands who can create offense in transition. From a standstill, he’s a legitimate shot threat who can pick corners from range. He can make plays but I wouldn’t call him a premier passer. His compete is also just OK, and not ideal for a smaller player. It’s why I’m not sure what his NHL role is unless the offense is just exceptional, but he certainly has NHL talent.
16. Viktor Neuchev, LW
10/25/2003 | 6-foot-2 | 165 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 74 in 2022
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Below NHL average
Puck skills: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: Below NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average
Analysis: Neuchev played up in the KHL all season for Avtomobilist in a low-minutes role. He didn’t get to show his full potential doing so, but when he’s played junior hockey he looks like a legitimate prospect. He’s a good-sized winger with break-a-shift-open type of hands and a big shot that can score from distance. On his best shift, he can create a goal out of nothing. Neuchev’s shifts have some inconsistencies though, with some perimeter or selfish play at times and he’s not a great skater. I think the tools are good enough to get NHL games, with a chance to be a legitimate middle-six wing if he hits.
17. Ryan Johnson, D
7/24/2001 | 6-feet | 170 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 31 in 2019
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: Below NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: NHL average
Analysis: Johnson has played a big role on a top NCAA team the last few years even if the offensive numbers haven’t been there. Johnson’s skating is his calling card. He’s a very powerful skater with the speed and edge work to transition pucks in the NHL and close on fast forwards. He’s just an average-sized defender without a ton of skill or physicality so while I think his feet get him games I’m not sure what his exact NHL role would be.
18. Scott Raztlaff, G
3/9/2005 | 6-feet | 175 pounds | Catches left
Drafted: No. 141 in 2023
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: Above NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Analysis: Ratzlaff’s pure athleticism stands out when you watch him. He can explode across the crease with his quickness. He’s quick but controlled, as he doesn’t overslide plays. Ratzlaff’s size is the main knock against him, as he’s barely 6-foot-1, but he plays quite aggressively which helps. He uses his quick lower body to challenge shooters and generally makes a lot of high-difficulty saves. The size will be an issue until he shows it isn’t, but I think he has the brain, consistency and talent to play games.
19. Prokhor Poltapov, LW
2/1/2003 | 6-feet | 176 pounds | Shoots right
Drafted: No. 33 in 2021
Tier: Projected to play NHL games
Skating: NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Analysis: Poltapov played up all season on a top KHL club in CSKA in a limited-minutes role. He got better as the year went along with a strong KHL playoff. Poltapov has the speed and skill to create offense versus men and makes highly skilled plays often. But what draws you to go his game is his work ethic. He’s a gamer who doesn’t shy from running over opponents, and he gives it his all on the ice. He could be a bottom-six winger.
Has a chance to play
Topias Leinonen, G
1/25/2004 | 6-foot-4 | 214 pounds | Catches left
Drafted: No. 41 in 2022
Analysis: Leinonen had a tough season in Finland’s junior league. He’s a huge goalie with solid technique and sense so he certainly still has a chance to make it. He moves fine for a guy his size, but ideally, he adds more lower-half quickness because he’s probably too slow for the NHL level.
Ethan Miedema, LW
3/22/2005 | 6-foot-4 | 208 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 109 in 2023
Analysis: Miedema is a highly skilled winger with NHL size. He has the hands to beat defenders at a high clip due to his wingspan and puckhandling skill. He is creative as a handler but can also make plays, has good scoring instincts and a solid wrist shot. Miedema’s major flaw is his skating. He has a heavy, and at times sluggish, skating stride that will limit him as he climbs levels. His compete is OK. I think he’s engaged enough but I wouldn’t call it an asset and I’d like to see more interior offense given his size.
Nikita Novikov, D
7/25/2003 | 6-foot-3 | 196 pounds | Shoots left
Drafted: No. 188 in 2021
Analysis: Novikov is a tall defenseman with strong hockey sense who may not be a major offensive contributor but projects to be able to move pucks well versus men. His skating is heavy and the one major issue in his toolkit.
*Listed in alphabetical order
Player Eligibility: All skaters who are 22 years old or younger as of Sept. 15, 2023, regardless of how many NHL games they’ve played, are eligible. Player heights and weights are taken from the NHL.
Tool grades: Tool grades are based on a scale with six separate levels, with an eye toward how this attribute would grade in the NHL (poor, below-average, average, above-average, high-end and elite). “Average” on this scale means the tool projects as NHL average, which is meant as a positive, not a criticism. Skating, puck skills, hockey sense and compete for every projected NHL player are graded. Shot grades are only included if a shot is notably good or poor.
Tier Definitions: Tiers are meant to show roughly where in an average NHL lineup a player projects to slot in.
(Photo of Dylan Cozens: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
