The Buffalo Sabres entered the 2025 NHL Draft with a clear objective: bolster their defensive depth and add size to their prospect pool. With nine picks at their disposal, including the ninth overall selection, the Sabres aimed to address their needs while also seeking to add high-upside talent. The draft, held in a decentralized format with the Sabres operating from Highmark Stadium, saw the team select four forwards, three defensemen, and two goaltenders.

First Round: Radim Mrtka, RHD

With the ninth overall pick, the Sabres selected Radim Mrtka, a towering 6-foot-6 right-handed defenseman from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. Mrtka was ranked as the fifth-best North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. This pick addresses a significant need for right-shot defensemen within the Sabres' system. Mrtka is considered a project pick with a high ceiling, possessing superior mobility and puck-moving capabilities for his size. While some scouts note his lack of physicality and passive play at times, his potential to develop into a top-four defenseman who can contribute on the power play is undeniable. General Manager Kevyn Adams lauded Mrtka's rare combination of size, two-way ability, puck skills, and mobility. Some analysts have graded this pick as a "B", noting that while Mrtka fills a need, the Sabres passed on some potentially higher-impact forwards. However, others see Mrtka as a solid pick, given the dearth of top-end forwards available at that spot.

Day 2: Addressing Depth

After trading their second-round pick to acquire NHL-ready defensemen Connor Timmins and Isaac Belliveau from Pittsburgh, the Sabres focused on adding depth to their prospect pool on Day 2.

• David Bedkowski, RHD (Round 3, Pick 71): Continuing the theme of adding size on the right side of the defense, the Sabres selected Bedkowski, a 6-foot-4 blueliner known for his physicality. Bedkowski is described as a heart-and-soul player who competes hard and sacrifices for his team.
• Matous Kucharcik, C (Round 4, Pick 103): Kucharcik is a center from Slavia Jr.
• Samuel Meloche, G (Round 4, Pick 116): Meloche is a goalie who played 51 games in the QMJHL last season and recorded five shutouts.
• Noah Laberge, LHD (Round 5, Pick 135): Laberge is a mobile, two-way defenseman who excels at suppressing opposing rushes. He ranked third among QMJHL draft-eligible defensemen in scoring.
• Other Selections: The Sabres also selected players in the sixth and seventh rounds, adding further depth at various positions.

Overall Grade and Analysis

The Sabres' 2025 draft has received mixed reviews. Some analysts believe the team reached for size over skill, particularly with the Mrtka selection. Others praise the Sabres for addressing a clear need for right-shot defensemen and adding size to their prospect pool.

A common sentiment is that the Sabres' later-round picks will need time and development to assess their true potential. The success of this draft will hinge on the development of Mrtka and Bedkowski, as well as the ability of their later-round picks to outperform their draft position.

Overall, the Sabres' 2025 draft can be considered a B. They addressed a need, added size, and took some swings on high-upside players. However, the lack of a second-round pick and the emphasis on defense may leave some questioning whether they could have added more offensive firepower to their prospect pool. Only time will tell whether the Sabres' 2025 draft class will develop into impactful NHL players.