The 2018-19 season is over. Now is the time to take a look at some of the Buffalo Sabres prospects (Lawrence Pilut, Victor Olofsson, and Ukko-Pekka Luukonen) and what they have been up to this year. Have some taken a step forward or backward?
The Buffalo pick in the 7th slot this year. The Sabres garnered seven picks in the 2019 NHL Draft. This includes two first-round picks with the second via St. Louis).
2018-19 Top 10 Buffalo Sabres Prospects
1. Lawrence Pilut, D – Buffalo Sabres (NHL), Rochester Americans (AHL) — Injured
HT/WT: 5-11/181
Age: 23
Drafted: Undrafted
Lawrence Pilut made our cut by a whisker because of how he was handled as far as games played. He is now not a rookie but still a prospect because Pilut has not played 50 contests yet. There were too many nights where the defenseman saw less than 15 minutes of ice time. Once he was sent back down to Rochester, the offense returned as Lawrence Pilut was utilized in a top role (26 points in 30 games).
Debate exists as to how he will ultimately fit in with Buffalo this year. There expect to be different schemes implemented and maybe a bigger use for Pilut. The gap between what was seen in Rochester and Buffalo is not wide as it would look from an outsider’s point of view. A shoulder injury will keep him out until at least early November.
2. Victor Olofsson, LW/RW – Rochester Americans (AHL)
HT/WT: 5-11/172
Age: 23
Drafted: 181st pick in the seventh round of the 2014 NHL Draft by Buffalo.
The forward came over from Sweden with some expectations and then exceeded them. All he did was average nearly a point a game and be a 30-30 player in Rochester. Yes, Rochester had a top-ten caliber offense but Olofsson was a major catalyst. It still is hard to believe he was a seventh-round draft pick.
Again, some debate that Olofsson may plateau as a middle-six forward. There are still some who disagree and believe there is room for the forward to hit that top-six level. It depends on who one talks to. One thing is clear, he plays well enough to make Buffalo out of cap next season. It is a question of does he put in the work this summer to improve on his two-way game. That skill, in particular, needs a little tweaking.
3. Ukko-Pekka Luukonen, G — Sudbury Wolves (OHL) — Injured
HT/WT: 6-5/212
Age: 20
Draft: 55th overall in the second round of the 2017 draft by Buffalo.
Luukonen saved the season for the Sudbury Wolves and guided them to the playoffs. Considering the young goalie faced well over 30 shots a game, he stood tall with his butterfly style and was able to post a 2.50 goals-against average with a .921 save percentage. That included some clutch performances which had people clamoring for a higher ranking.
So, the question becomes will Luukonen make the jump to the AHL next season? That is something the Buffalo organization will surely address over the summer. However, the possibility is very much there. The Finnish goalie possesses too much talent and potential to be kept in the OHL for very much longer. NHL hockey remains a possibility in 1-3 years depending on Buffalo’s hierarchy in the net. Unfortunately, hip surgery will keep him out until October.
4. Alexander Nylander, W – Rochester Americans (AHL)
HT/WT: 6-1/192
Age: 21
Drafted: 8th overall in the first round of the 2016 draft by Buffalo.
Time starts to grow short on Nylander to develop into the player Buffalo expected when they drafted him 8th overall three seasons ago. On the other hand, Nylander gradually shows improvement in his two-way game and still could develop into a nice middle-six forward.
His upside could still be as high as a second-line winger with power play time. Nylander needs to show more scoring consistency in Rochester to warrant an extended shot with the Buffalo Sabres. At this juncture, it is up to Nylander what his future becomes in the Buffalo organization or even elsewhere. The talent is there but the ability to put it together is still uncertain.
5. Jacob Bryson, D – Providence College (NCAA)
HT/WT: 5-9/179
Age: 21
Drafted: 99th overall in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by Buffalo.
The defenseman scored consistently well enough in his three years at Providence but far from a prolific goal scorer like Lawrence Pilut. That is not his forte. He can move the puck up the ice and pass well enough. How that will translate to the NHL level remains to be seen. Fortunately, it should suffice at the AHL level next season for Rochester.
One of his biggest pluses for Bryson is his ability to engage in plays despite a smaller frame. He should fit right into the way Rochester plays as far as pace and transition. Bryson likely needs at least a year or so before he gets a shot with the NHL club. Adjusting to the pace is something Bryson should master pretty quickly as he did at Providence College.
6. Marcus Davidsson, C/W – Vaxjo HC Lakers (SHL)
HT/WT: 6-0/192
Age: 20
Drafted: 37th overall in the second round of the 2017 draft by Buffalo.
Davidsson stays for one more year in the Swedish Hockey League and will be playing for Vaxjo again. That is the plan Buffalo used for Victor Olofsson with much success. Davidsson’s strength fortified this year with an increasing ability to possess the puck longer with improved passing and increased shot totals. There was a lot to like with his game but consistency is still a bit of an issue.
Nonetheless, Davidsson remains a middle-six possibility for Buffalo in what feels like a sea of middle-six talent. Could he be more than that? There’s always a slight chance but right now, that likelihood is unlikely barring an Olofsson like surge in 2019-20.
7. Rasmus Asplund, C – Rochester Americans (AHL)
HT/WT: 5-11/176
Age: 21
Drafted: 33rd overall in the second round of the 2016 Draft by Buffalo.
Asplund transitioned well from Sweden to Rochester in his first season of North-American hockey. He tallied 10 goals and 41 points in 75 games. His speed stood out on the smaller ice, especially as the season went on. That is an asset Rochester and Asplund needs to use more next season in Rochester.
The center shows clear ability and work ethic to improve on his deficiencies. Also, Asplund has a sneaky little wrist shot which does not get utilized enough. Hitting the net more will be a bit of a priority as the center continues to improve the other aspects of his game. The two-way play was solid in the second half in particular.
8. William Borgen, D – Rochester Americans (AHL)
HT/WT: 6-2/187
Age: 22
Drafted: 92nd overall in the fourth round of the 2015 Draft by Buffalo.
Borgen played well enough in his own end in Rochester but again, do not expect a ton of offense from the defenseman. His college years at St. Cloud State illustrated that clearly. What one does get is a physical player who battles hard in his own zone and is capable of passing up the ice with some crispness.
Fortunately, Borgen can be brought along slowly and likely becomes a decent plug as a stay at home third pairing defenseman in Buffalo. That is probably his upside and a best-case scenario for the right-handed shooting blueliner.
9. Oskari Laaksonen, D – Ilves (Liiga – Finland)
HT/WT: 6-2/165
Age: 19
Drafted: 89th overall in the third round of the 2017 Draft by Buffalo.
Laaksonen did not assert himself internationally but enjoyed a solid season with Ilves in his first extended look at top-level Finnish hockey. His ability to deliver crisp passes and play solid defense were his biggest assets.
Also, his decision making remained solid despite the increased level of play and pace. He expects to play at least another year in Finland before a decision is even made about North America. Laaksonen could use to develop a bit more core and upper-body strength to engage in corners, etc. As long as that does not affect his fluidity, the defenseman should be fine.
10. Matej Pekar, C – Barrie Colts (OHL)
HT/WT: 6-0/170
Age: 19
Drafted: 94th overall in the fourth round of the 2018 draft by Buffalo
Pekar presents as a long-term project who is working on his two-way game. He had 14 goals and 36 points for Barrie in just 33 games before a collarbone injury sidelined him. Pekar joined Rochester in March but did not play a game so his entry-level deal kicks in next season.
The promising center shows lots of ability with speed, passing, and an ability to shoot the puck with conviction. He darts in and out of dangerous areas and uses his smarts to dodge bigger players. His tenacity with the puck sets him up well in the attacking zone. Finally, his upside in the Buffalo organization is a reason why he makes this list and could rise next season.
