The 2015 NHL Entry Draft was a pivotal moment for many franchises, holding the promise of future stars and Stanley Cup contention. For the Buffalo Sabres, armed with the second overall pick and a treasure trove of additional selections, it represented a chance to accelerate their rebuild. However, a decade later, a harsh reassessment reveals that the Sabres' 2015 draft class largely failed to deliver on its potential, becoming a cautionary tale of missed opportunities and what-ifs.
General Manager Tim Murray entered the 2015 draft with considerable ammunition. In addition to the coveted second overall pick, acquired through their own struggles, the Sabres also possessed the 21st and 25th overall selections, obtained in previous trades involving Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller, respectively. The stage was set for a transformative draft that could reshape the organization's future.
With the second overall pick, the Sabres selected Jack Eichel, a highly touted center from Boston University. Billed as a potential generational talent alongside Connor McDavid, Eichel was expected to become the face of the franchise and lead the Sabres back to prominence. While Eichel showcased undeniable skill and offensive prowess during his tenure in Buffalo, he never quite reached the heights many had predicted. Team success eluded him, and his relationship with the organization eventually soured, leading to a trade to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021. While Eichel has since won a Stanley Cup with Vegas, his departure left a void in Buffalo and a lingering sense of unfulfilled potential.
Beyond Eichel, the Sabres' 2015 draft class yielded few impactful NHL players. Brendan Guhle, selected 51st overall, played a mere 65 games for the Sabres and didn't solidify himself as an NHL regular. Other picks from that year, such as William Borgen, andDevante Stephens have had minimal impact for the Sabres.
The true cost of the Sabres' 2015 draft failures lies not only in the players they selected but also in the opportunities they missed. With three first-round picks, Murray had the chance to package those assets to move up in the draft or acquire established talent. In hindsight, passing on players like Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Mathew Barzal, and Kyle Connor – all of whom were selected later in the first round – stings for Sabres fans. These players have blossomed into stars for their respective teams, while the Sabres continue to search for consistent offensive firepower.
The 2015 NHL Draft class was exceptionally deep, boasting a wealth of talent that extended far beyond the first round. The fact that the Sabres failed to capitalize on this depth is a testament to the missteps made by the team's management at the time.
Looking back, the Sabres' 2015 draft class serves as a stark reminder of the importance of draft strategy, player evaluation, and organizational patience. While Jack Eichel provided moments of brilliance, the overall lack of success from that draft class set the Sabres back considerably. As the team continues its quest to end its playoff drought, the lessons learned from the failed 2015 draft should serve as a guide for future player acquisitions. Current GM Kevyn Adams has been working to get the Sabres back on track since taking over in 2020, and hopefully will make wise choices to keep Buffalo's upward trend going.
