The 2025 Draft Thread

[toddkaz]

If we pick top 4 we get one of Hagens, Martone or Misa because you would have to think a team will take Schaefer.

Out of the top 5 Desnoyers and McQueen look interesting.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

The road to the 8th pick has begun!!

 

[Chainshot]

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

Schaefer really getting a lot of attention for 1OA recently.

 

[Beerz]

Baker saying Martone or bust.

 

[Der Jaeger]

The more I watch Hagens the more sold I am. Kid does everything you want a center to do. Such a solid and mature game.

 

[MarkusKetterer]

I’m surprised Brady Martin is that high.

 

[Chainshot]

I’m surprised Brady Martin is that high.

Hey, @Brock is there some insight into why this is so? Thanks as always for your time.

 

[dickiedunnwrotethis]

I'd like to hear the rationale for Bear at #22. Personally can't see him being lower than 8th.

 

[Chainshot]

I'd like to hear the rationale for Bear at #22. Personally can't see him being lower than 8th.

It sometimes takes a while for draft year rises to cement themselves up the lists. He's on such a climb right now.

 

[Der Jaeger]

Baker saying Martone or bust.

Is that from a Sabres need perspective or talent/BPA? Power forward is a definite need.

 

[SECRET SQUIRREL]

Is that from a Sabres need perspective or talent/BPA? Power forward is a definite need.

Both... they talked about him on yesterday's BFHS

 

[Fjordy]

Martone good, but i feel like as always we will pick at 8 or somewhere around there. Overall i wouldn't mind trading this pick for a good nhl player.

 

[Beerz]

Yep..both

 

[Chainshot]

Baker saying Martone or bust.

Glad to see some alignment.

Seriously though, the overall package is something they just don't have.

 

[Fjordy]

Baker mentioned that Martone might be a Tkachuk type, that's interesting.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Baker mentioned that Martone might be a Tkachuk type, that's interesting.

you know we will have the 8th pick by spring ?

 

[Brock]

Hey, @Brock is there some insight into why this is so? Thanks as always for your time.

Love Brady Martin and pretty much every member of our staff does too.

Do I wish he were a more dynamic skater? Absolutely. But it’s already improving and I think it will continue to do so. Otherwise you have someone who blends skill, physicality, and smarts as a pivot. Worst case IMO, you’ve got a Scott Laughton type. I don’t see him not becoming an NHL regular. Best case, he’s a top six workhorse.

I'd like to hear the rationale for Bear at #22. Personally can't see him being lower than 8th.

Our Western scouts just aren’t sold on his upside.

Bear has had a very impressive season, but he’s not a dynamic skater or a high skill guy. The compete level is off the charts good, but at 6’0, is he going to be an elite complementary piece at the NHL level the same way he is in Everett? There’s obviously a chance and our scouts do like him as a potentially solid middle six guy, but more? If Bear were on a worse team, having to drive the bus himself would we be seeing him as high as he is on some lists?

 

[Fjordy]

So far I like what I've read about Misa and Martone.

 

[Chainshot]

EP did their December roundtable ranking a few weeks back.

Here it is for those who are curious about their process:

 

[ValJamesDuex]

Baker saying Martone or bust.

guess what...

 

[MarkusKetterer]

I wonder how much this changes his status and actual draft position.

 

[toddkaz]

James Hagens 2 goals and 6 points in 2 games so far.

 

[Fjordy]

James Hagens 2 goals and 6 points in 2 games so far.

Yeap, but he won't be there at 8.

 

[paulmm3]

Martone obviously represents something we don't have as a skilled power forward. I'd argue James Hagens also represents something we don't have in an exceptionally high IQ playmaking center. I see a decent NHL comparable for Hagens as Jack Hughes. I understand the argument for Martone but I would rather push Cozens to wing and roll with Hagens-Tage as our top two C. I look at it as kind of "would you rather have Martone on Cozens' wing or Cozens on Hagens' wing" and I'd pick the second option.

Of course, moot point as we'll be picking 8th.