With the 2024 NHL Entry Draft just over a month away, the Buffalo Sabres will make their 13th straight top-15 selection. This year, they have an opportunity to address a significant organizational need for right-shot defensemen. Despite having a strong prospect pool with many talented forwards, the Sabres lack depth in right-handed defensemen beyond Vsevolod Komarov, who was recently named the QMJHL’s Defenseman of the Year. Here are three potential options for the Sabres at the 11th overall pick:
Carter Yakemchuk – RD, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Carter Yakemchuk, a big right-handed blueliner, might be the best option available after Artyom Levshunov and Zayne Parekh. Yakemchuk has shown significant improvement over his three seasons with the Calgary Hitmen.
THW’s Peter Baracchini praises his decision-making and quick thinking with the puck, highlighting his ability to control shifts and attack with force.
The 18-year-old followed up his 19-goal season with 30 goals in the 2023-24 campaign, playing in all situations for the Hitmen. At 6-foot-3, Yakemchuk would be a great addition to the Sabres.
Adam Jiricek – RD, Plzen HC (Czech Extraliga)
Adam Jiricek, the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets’ blueliner David Jiricek, stands at 6-foot-2 and is ranked fourth among international skaters. While his lack of production and an injury at the World Juniors might make selecting Jiricek at 11 seem like a reach, the Sabres could afford to take him on as a project given their deep prospect pool. If Jiricek can develop into a player similar to his brother, who had 19 points in 29 AHL games this season, he could be a valuable addition. The Sabres have had success with Czech-born players, making this a potentially wise choice.
Henry Mews – RD, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
Henry Mews is another project player who could be selected at 11th overall.
A puck-moving defender, Mews nearly averaged a point per game in the OHL this season with 61 points in 65 games. However, as Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff notes, Mews still has work to do in his own-zone play, having only started playing defense a few years ago.
If Mews can clean up his defensive game, he could be a steal for the Sabres, similar to how they snagged former 67 Jack Quinn in 2020.
While the Sabres might be disappointed to be selecting high in the draft once again, they have a chance to address a key need and strengthen their roster for the future. General Manager Kevyn Adams will have an opportunity to make a significant impact with this pick on June 28.