Introduction to the Sabres’ 2021 NHL Draft Class
The Buffalo Sabres’ 2021 NHL Draft class was a mix of promising talent and developmental prospects. While some of these young players have already made an impact at the professional level, many are still honing their skills in other leagues and systems. The draft saw the Sabres select a diverse group of players, each with unique potential and playing styles. This summary will provide an update on the progress of these prospects who are not currently in the NHL, highlighting their development, challenges, and future outlook.
Dylan Guenther: The Offensive Forward with High Ceiling
Dylan Guenther, a first-round pick (17th overall), has been turning heads with his offensive prowess and high hockey IQ. Currently playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Guenther has quickly become one of the team’s top offensive threats. His ability to read the game and make plays stands out, and he has consistently demonstrated a knack for finding the back of the net. In the 2021-2022 season, Guenther recorded 36 goals and 44 assists, totaling 80 points in 67 games. His performance has earned him a spot at various national and international tournaments, including the World Junior Championships. The Sabres see Guenther as a future top-six forward, and his development in the WHL is on track to prepare him for the NHL. His poise and maturity on the ice, despite his young age, are remarkable, and he is already being compared to skilled forwards in the league.
Ethan Everyday: The Reliable Blue-Liner
Ethan Everyday, selected in the second round (52nd overall), has been making steady progress as a defensive defenseman. He is currently playing college hockey for the University of Minnesota. Everyday’s game is built on strong defensive positioning, gap control, and his ability to break out of the zone effectively. While his offensive contributions are still developing, his reliability and stability on the blue line are evident. In his freshman year, he recorded 3 assists in 23 games, focusing primarily on his defensive responsibilities. Everyday’s coaches and teammates praise his work ethic and leadership, both on and off the ice. His development in the college system is crucial, and the Sabres are confident that he will continue to grow into a well-rounded defenseman capable of contributing at the NHL level in the coming years.
Arvid Costmar: The versaatile European Prospect
Arvid Costmar, a third-round pick (81st overall), is a versatile forward hailing from Sweden. He has been playing in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) and has shown flashes of brilliance in his playmaking and scoring ability. Costmar is known for his speed and agility, which allow him to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. In the 2021-2022 season, he managed 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists) in 40 games with Djurgårdens IF. While these numbers are solid, the competition in the SHL is fierce, and Costmar is still learning to adapt to the physicality and speed of professional hockey. The Sabres believe in his potential and are monitoring his progress closely. Costmar’s development in Europe is seen as a positive step, and he may be called up to the North American system once he is ready to take the next step.
Owen Power: The Dominant Young Defenseman
Owen Power, a first-round pick (3rd overall), has been one of the most highly touted prospects in the Sabres’ system. Currently, he is playing for the University of Michigan and has already made a significant impact. Power’s combination of size (6’6”, 210 lbs), speed, and skill makes him a dominant presence on the blue line. In his freshman year, he recorded 10 goals and 28 assists, totaling 38 points in 38 games. His performance earned him the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and a spot on the U.S. National Team at the World Junior Championships. Power’s development in college is going as planned, and he is expected to join the Sabres’ organization in the near future. His leadership and maturity on the ice are already at an NHL level, and he is poised to become a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defense.
Joel Blomqvist: The Young Swedish Goaltender
Joel Blomqvist, selected in the fourth round (104th overall), is a young goaltender from Sweden playing in the Swedish Hockey League. Blomqvist has shown promise in his ability to read the game and his strong positioning. In the 2021-2022 season, he played for HV71 Jönköping, appearing in 17 games and posting a .908 save percentage and a 2.38 goals-against average. While his numbers are solid, Blomqvist is still learning the nuances of professional goaltending and the mental demands of the position. The Sabres are patient with his development, recognizing that goaltenders often take longer to mature. Blomqvist’s potential as a future NHL goaltender is still very much in play, and his experience in the SHL is invaluable. The organization is closely following his progress and believes he will be ready to join the North American system in the coming seasons.
Logan Stankoven: The Dynamic Wing with High Energy
Logan Stankoven, a fourth-round pick (115th overall), is a dynamic wing with high energy and a competitive spirit. He is currently playing for the Trail Smoke Eaters in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). Stankoven’s skating ability and speed are his most notable assets, and he uses these skills to create scoring opportunities and disrupt opponents. In the 2021-2022 season, he recorded 51 goals and 56 assists, totaling 107 points in 52 games, leading the BCHL in scoring. His performance has earned him attention from various NHL organizations, and the Sabres are thrilled with his progress. Stankoven’s development in the junior league is critical, and the Sabres are confident he will make the leap to professional hockey in the next couple of years. His work ethic and determination are inspiring, and he is seen as a potential top-nine forward for the Sabres.
