Buffalo Sabres Make Their First Round Draft Pick in 2023

The 2023 NHL Draft is taking place in Nashville this year. The first round is being held on a Wednesday night, which usually does not happen, so that's a bit of a change for fans watching from home.

There was zero surprise at the top as the Chicago Blackhawks drafted center Connor Bedard with the first overall pick. Bedard is considered the best prospect since the Edmonton Oilers took Connor McDavid first overall in 2015.

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The star Russian player Matvei Michkov only slid to 7th overall, as the Philadelphia Flyers drafted the star winger. Many don't know when he will come to the NHL, with a three-year contract in place with the KHL.

As for the Buffalo Sabres, they made their pick a little after 8:30 pm.

The Sabres took.

Forward Zach Benson of the Western Hockey League.

Benson is a highly-skilled forward who could've easily been drafted between picks 7-10. He scored 98 points in 65 games in the WHL this past season.

Benson is a great pick for Buffalo. He's only 5'9'' but who cares; he was the best offensive player on the board, kills penalties and has the potential to score 80-100 points in the NHL per season. The Sabres didn't overthink it and let the board fall to them.

He's similar to last year's first round pick Matthew Savoie; maybe not as fast a skater but he's shifty and is great with the puck.

This also helps the Sabres be more willing to part with one of their prospects for a roster player right now, which could also happen this week.