Buffalo Sabres draft scoring stud Savoie 9th overall; make three picks in first round

MONTREAL (WHEC) – The Buffalo Sabres stocked up on talent in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft, after previous trades allowed them to have three out of the first 28 picks.

The Sabres used their ninth overall pick to take Matthew Savoie.

Savoie, a native of St. Albert, Alberta, led all WHL rookies in scoring during the 2021-22 season. His scoring helped the Winnipeg ICE to the top of the overall standings.

Savoie is only listed at 5’9" and 175 pounds, but was ranked fourth overall among North American-based skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Buffalo also drafted Swedish forward Noah Ostlund with the 16th overall pick.

Ostlund, a 5’10", 160 pound forward, played last year in the SHL, scoring nine goals and carving out 33 assists. He also posted 10 points en route to leading Sweden to a gold medal in the U18 IIHF World Championship.

The Sabres also drafted forward Jiri Kulich with the 28th overall pick.