Check 4: Sabers options with pick No. 14

BUFFALO, NEW YORK – JUNE 06: Stian Solberg poses for a portrait during the 2024 NHL Scouting Combine at HarborCenter on June 06, 2024 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — As general manager Kevyn Adams works the phones trying to work out another deal that could provide immediate roster help, the Sabres now hold the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.

If Buffalo makes this pick at No. 14, it will be the franchise’s lowest-ranked first pick since 2011, after the Sabers last made the playoffs. It would also be the 20th first-round pick Buffalo has made since its record playoff drought began, and the 14th pick in the top 14 in the last 14 drafts.

The Sabres recently picked 14th overall in 2021, drafting forward Isak Rosen, one of their top prospects in Rochester over the past two seasons. Zemgus Girgensons, a pending free agent who served as an alternate captain for three seasons, was drafted 14th overall in 2012. Other 14th picks included two defensemen who played over 500 games for the team, Ric Selling (1977) and Jay McKee (1995), along with popular forward Brad May (1990), defensemen Kevin Haller (1989) and Calle Johansson (1985).

Here are four prospects the Sabers could consider drafting at No. 14:

Carter Yakemchuk, defenseman, Calgary Hitmen (WHL) — A 6-foot-3 right-shot defenseman with offensive skills and a hard-hitting streak, Yakemchuk fits several criteria for Buffalo’s wish list. He was a finalist for WHL defenseman of the year after putting up 71 points in 66 games. Only the top defenseman in the draft, Zayne Parekh, has a better offensive profile than Yakemchuck. But he’ll need to improve his skating to become a quality NHL defenseman.

Stian Solberg, D, Valerenga (Norway) — The draft’s biggest hitter has climbed the draft boards since showcasing his game at the world championships and testing well at the NHL Combine last month in Buffalo. The Sabres are expected to play a more physical style under coach Lindy Ruff, and while they may have the deepest prospect pool in the league, Buffalo is lacking in that regard. Playing in Norway’s top pro league at age 18, he could become the first of his countrymen to be drafted in the first round.

Berkly Catton, A, Spokane Chiefs (WHL) — Similar to last year’s 13th overall pick, Zach Benson, in both size (5-foot-11, 163 pounds) and offensive production (54 goals, 62 assists in 68 games) in Canadian junior. He won 53 percent of his faceoffs and led the league with seven shorthanded goals. Buffalo will take the best player available, regardless of roster needs or skill duplication. So if Catton slides because of his size like Benson did last year, the Sabres could end up with another forward they deem worthy of a top-10 pick.

Cole Eiserman, F, USNTDP — A talented scorer whose 127 goals are the most in USA Hockey National Development Team history could have been the best player available at No. 11. Now he could be headed to San Jose to play with his former junior teammate, fellow No. 1 overall pick Macklin Cellebrini. Assistant general manager Jerry Forton said there isn’t much consensus in the league on where players should be ranked outside the top six, so the 17-year-old sharpshooter shouldn’t be discounted as an option unless Sharks general manager Mike Grier, the former Sabres winger, shows off his game in trade talks.