Buffalo Sabres select Adam Kleber 42nd overall in 2024 NHL Draft

On Saturday at the Sphere in Las Vegas, the Buffalo Sabers took on Adam Kleber in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, going 42nd overall.

Kleber spent the 2023-24 season with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he recorded five goals and 21 assists for 26 points in 56 games. He added a goal and an assist in five USHL playoff games. This is a big step forward in terms of offensive production after nearly tripling his production from the 2022-23 season as a rookie, where he scored just eight points in 56 USHL games with the stars.

His imposing 6-foot-5 build allows him to leave wide spaces and attack with his reach, he projects as a physical closing presence as a pro.

After two seasons in the USHL, Kleber will head to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for the 2024-25 season.

“One of the best “big” players in the draft, Kleber has propelled himself into the top 40 in the eyes of many recruiters. Kleber is a player committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and his 6-foot-5, 209-pound build makes him attractive. He doesn’t score a lot of points, but he will punish you with his strength and work ethic. Kleber had an excellent second half of the season, which saw him become more comfortable moving the puck and getting ahead of his opponents. Teams like right-handed defenders with his type of profile, especially since he can also move quite well. I feel like the ceiling is high here. »

Buffalo is expected to pick No. 76 overall in the third round.