ESPN VERIFIED: There are varying views on who the Buffalo Sabres will select ninth overall if they do not trade the pick, with fewer than two weeks until the 2025 NHL Decentralized Draft in Los Angeles. The Athletic’s mock draft earlier this month and NHL.com’s Mike Morreale predicted the Sabres would pick OHL defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson with their…

With fewer than two weeks remaining until the 2025 NHL Decentralized Draft in Los Angeles, speculation is heating up around what the Buffalo Sabres will do with the ninth overall pick. While the organization has not tipped its hand, analysts across the hockey world remain split on whether Buffalo will keep the pick or package it in a trade—continuing what has become an annual tradition of draft-day intrigue for the rebuilding franchise.

Among the latest projections, both The Athletic’s early June mock draft and NHL.com’s respected draft expert Mike Morreale predict the Sabres will stay put and select OHL defenceman Kashawn Aitcheson, a two-way blueliner who has drawn comparisons to New Jersey Devils’ Dougie Hamilton for his blend of size, vision, and transitional play.

The Case for Kashawn Aitcheson

Aitcheson, who starred for the Saginaw Spirit this past season, has been on scouts’ radars all year. The 6-foot-3, 192-pound defenseman posted 44 points in 64 games while playing heavy minutes in all situations. His game matured significantly, showcasing better defensive zone reads, improved footwork, and an assertive presence on the breakout.

“Buffalo’s system has depth on the blue line, but not necessarily a high-end, two-way defenseman in Aitcheson’s mold,” said Morreale. “He can quarterback a power play but is also trusted to close games out defensively. He projects as a minute-munching top-four D in the NHL.”

The Sabres have invested heavily in defense in recent years, with names like Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power already anchoring the blueline. Still, some argue there’s room for another player who can grow into a top-pairing role as veterans age or move on.

Trade Possibilities Still Loom

Despite the solid fit on paper, league insiders continue to speculate that Buffalo could be active on the trade market. With a deep prospect pool and limited cap concerns, GM Kevyn Adams is in a strong position to make an aggressive move—either to trade up in the draft or land a more immediate-impact forward through a blockbuster deal.

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently reported that multiple teams picking later in the top 15 have inquired about moving up, and the Sabres’ pick remains “in play” depending on how the top of the draft unfolds.

“There’s a real chance Buffalo uses this pick as a chip,” Dreger said. “They’ve got prospect capital and are nearing the point where they want to compete seriously for a playoff spot. Whether it’s a younger NHL forward or a trade-up to snag a top-five talent, it’s something to watch.”

Other Names in the Mix

If the Sabres opt not to take Aitcheson, other names linked to them include:

• Anton Lykov (LW, Russia) – A dynamic winger with elite hands and deceptive speed, Lykov could give Buffalo another offensive weapon.
• Tanner McBride (C, WHL) – A high-IQ, two-way center who could project as a future No. 2 behind Tage Thompson.
• Jakob Neilsen (G, Sweden) – Though rare in the top 10, the Sabres could shock some by taking a goaltender with franchise potential.

Final Thoughts

Whether Buffalo keeps or trades the No. 9 pick, it’s clear the organization is approaching a turning point. After years of rebuilding, the Sabres are closer to playoff contention than they’ve been in over a decade, and this draft could play a key role in pushing them over the edge.

As the June 28 decentralized draft draws near, the hockey world will be watching closely to see which direction Buffalo chooses to go. Will it be the steady, NHL-ready Aitcheson? Or will Adams gamble big in hopes of a faster payoff?

One thing’s for sure: the Sabres’ front office holds one of the more pivotal picks in this year’s draft—and they know it.