Buffalo Sabres: The top-10 players under 24, part one
By Ed Stein
The Buffalo Sabres are ready to take the next step in their turnaround. They certainly have a skilled group of young players ready to pick up the mantle.
The Buffalo Sabres have very talented players coming up through their system. Some have even arrived on the scene. Every player on the Top-10 under 24 list either is now or has the ability to become a solid NHL player. There aren’t any gaping positional holes to fill as there are quality talents across the board.
Overall, there is a good mix of offense, two-way hockey, smarts, and future top-tier goaltending on this list. Admittedly its a bit defenseman heavy, but the forwards while few in number are quite skilled. Several members of the top-10 have all-star potential. Additionally, it’s not hard to imagine at least one of these players getting a Hall-of-Fame ring when he hangs up his skates. The future is indeed bright.
Today we countdown numbers 10-6. The top five follows on Friday.
Honorable mention
Rasmus Asplund (21), Center, 2016 2nd round, 33rd overall – A four year veteran of the Swedish Elite League, Rasmus Asplund made the jump to North America last season. He scored 41 points in 75 games with Rochester. Asplund is a hard worker with an arsenal of offensive skills. He might get a cup of coffee in Buffalo this year but another year in the AHL will help his development.
Oskari Laaksonen (20), Defenseman, 2017 3rd round, 89th overall – The lanky defenseman, had a fantastic season with Ilves in the Finnish League, scoring 24 points in 46 games. Laaksonen is a good skater with a nice offensive upside. If he’s going to play in the NHL one day, more muscle must be added to his 6-2, 165 pound frame. Nevertheless, Laaksonen is an intriguing prospect.