Breaking: Mock Drafts Differ On Sabres Target At #9, A mock draft from the Athletic earlier this month and Mike Morreale from NHL.com projected the Sabres to select OHL defenseman…

As the 2025 NHL Draft approaches, speculation surrounding the Buffalo Sabres’ first-round pick continues to intensify — especially with a top-10 selection at #9. However, there is a growing divide among experts on who the Sabres will target, as recent mock drafts reveal differing projections.

Earlier this month, a mock draft published by The Athletic projected the Sabres to select a promising blueliner from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), citing Buffalo’s need for long-term depth and stability on the blue line. Meanwhile, NHL.com’s Mike Morreale also weighed in this week with his own mock draft, but while he agrees the Sabres may look to the OHL, the exact player and rationale vary notably.

Diverging Defensive Visions

Both mock drafts suggest that Buffalo will focus on defense, a logical move given the organization’s emphasis on building a solid core around young talent like Owen Power and Rasmus Dahlin. The Athletic’s draft expert linked the Sabres to Zayne Parekh, an offensively gifted defenseman from the Saginaw Spirit. Parekh impressed scouts with his vision, puck control, and power-play quarterbacking — traits that would complement Buffalo’s current core and potentially boost their transitional game.

On the other hand, Morreale’s mock draft pointed toward Sam Dickinson, a more defensively steady and physically mature blueliner from the London Knights. Dickinson’s responsible play in his own end, combined with NHL-ready size and poise, may better align with Buffalo’s need for defensive balance rather than another high-risk, high-reward puck-mover.

Organizational Philosophy in Focus

The discrepancy between the two mocks underlines a broader philosophical question within the Sabres’ front office: Should the team double down on skill and speed from the backend, or begin adding more structure and size?

General Manager Kevyn Adams hasn’t tipped his hand yet, but it’s clear that the Sabres will have a variety of high-end prospects to choose from at #9 — including forwards — depending on how the top eight picks unfold. Buffalo has a well-stocked prospect pool, but with playoff contention becoming more urgent, the pressure to make the right pick is mounting.

What’s Next?

As draft day nears, more information may emerge through interviews, scouting reports, and combine performances. Whether the Sabres opt for a dynamic, puck-moving defenseman like Parekh or a more traditional, shutdown defender like Dickinson remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Sabres are in a position to significantly shape their future with the ninth overall selection.