Breaking News: The Sabres are assessing a variety of possible first-round picks as the Scouting Combine comes to an end and the 2025 NHL Draft, which will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28, approaches in just 15 days. First-round defenseman | Possible choices for the Sabres with the ninth overall pick Examining the best blue-line prospects available in the 2025 NHL Draft, assisted by…

With the NHL Scouting Combine officially in the books and the 2025 NHL Draft just over two weeks away, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves at a pivotal moment in their offseason plans. Holding the ninth overall pick, Buffalo’s front office—led by General Manager Kevyn Adams and Head of Scouting Jerry Forton—is zeroing in on one key area: defense.

After a season marked by inconsistency on the blue line, the Sabres appear poised to reinforce their defensive core through the draft. Though they boast a few promising names like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, organizational depth and right-side balance remain areas of concern.

Here’s a closer look at the top defensemen expected to be available when the Sabres make their pick at No. 9, based on final scouting reports, Combine performances, and team needs:

1. Jakub Dvorak (LHD) – Liberec (Czechia)

Height: 6’5″ | Weight: 210 lbs
Shoots: Left

One of the most complete defensive prospects in this draft class, Dvorak turned heads at the Combine with his elite conditioning and maturity. He’s a smooth-skating two-way defenseman with shutdown ability and offensive instincts. Though he plays the left side, scouts have praised his versatility and hockey IQ, making him a potential partner for a right-shot puck mover in the Sabres’ system.

Projection: Top-four defenseman with top-pair upside.

2. Aron Kiviharju (LHD) – HIFK (Liiga, Finland)

Height: 5’10” | Weight: 180 lbs
Shoots: Left

Kiviharju has long been on scouts’ radars, thanks to his elite puck-moving skills and cerebral approach to the game. Despite an injury that shortened his season, his Combine interviews and medicals reassured teams about his long-term outlook. His size may be a concern, but his skating and vision are NHL-ready.

Projection: Power-play quarterback with strong transitional upside.

3. Adam Jiricek (RHD) – HC Plzen (Czechia)

Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 185 lbs
Shoots: Right

Younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek, Adam brings the same mix of physicality and poise. A right-shot defender—something the Sabres sorely lack—Jiricek impressed at the Combine with a top-tier vertical jump and edgework. He plays with bite and already shows flashes of a shutdown game against men in the Czech pro league.

Projection: NHL-ready within 2-3 years; top-four shutdown defenseman.

4. Sam Dickinson (LHD) – London Knights (OHL)

Height: 6’3″ | Weight: 204 lbs
Shoots: Left

A two-way workhorse who played big minutes for the powerhouse London Knights, Dickinson is one of the more polished defenders in this draft. While his offensive upside may be limited compared to others, his reliability and leadership have drawn comparisons to veterans like Jacob Slavin.

Projection: Steady top-four NHL defenseman with leadership qualities.

5. Henry Mews (RHD) – Ottawa 67’s (OHL)

Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 190 lbs
Shoots: Right

A rising stock following a strong Combine showing, Mews combines offensive flair with improving defensive positioning. He has top-tier puck control and mobility, and projects as a power-play option down the line. For Buffalo, the right-handed shot is a particularly attractive asset.

Projection: High-ceiling, modern puck-moving defenseman.

Sabres Draft Strategy: BPA vs. Positional Fit

Buffalo’s scouting staff has traditionally leaned toward a “best player available” strategy, but the organization’s current blue-line depth may tilt the scales toward filling a long-term need—especially at right defense. If a forward like James Hagens or Cole Eiserman slides to ninth, the Sabres will have a difficult decision to make. But if the board holds to form, a defenseman—particularly a right-handed one—seems like the likely route.

Final Thoughts

With the draft fast approaching, the Sabres are doing their due diligence on a range of defensemen who could step into key roles over the next few seasons. Whether they lean toward size, skill, or positional need, the ninth overall pick presents a valuable opportunity to bolster a young and promising defensive corps.

Expect more updates as pre-draft interviews continue and the front office narrows its list—because in just 15 days, the future of the Sabres blue line may begin to take shape at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.