2. Jack Quinn
While landing John-Jason Peterka in the Second-Round was a big enough win for the Buffalo Sabres at the 2020 Draft on its own, the even more exciting player they scooped up was Jack Quinn, who they selected 8th overall. The 19-year-old forward is a goal scoring machine, proven by his 52 goal, 89-point season with the Ottawa 67’s in 2019-20. His 52 goals, which came in just 62 games, trailed only now Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson, who led the league with 55.
Unfortunately, Quinn hasn’t been able to play in any games for the 2020-21 season yet as the OHL has yet to start. He was however able to play in the World Juniors for Team Canada, where he put up five points in seven contests. As of now, he is listed on the Sabres Taxi Squad as they await to see whether or not the OHL will have a season. If not, he will likely play in the AHL at just 19-years-old. While losing a lot of the season is a huge let down, it will not impact Quinn in the long run. He has all the tools to become an NHL star in the future.
1. Dylan Cozens
If there were any hockey fans who didn’t know the name Dylan Cozens heading into the 2021 World Juniors, they certainly did after. The 19-year-old Canadian, who was picked seventh overall by the Sabres in 2019, absolutely dominated the tournament. His 16 points trailed only Team USA forward Trevor Zegras who had 18, while his eight goals led all skaters. Unfortunately for Cozens, his team was defeated by Team USA in the Gold Medal game, resulting in Zegras winning the tournament MVP. Had Canada won, the award would have without a doubt gone to Cozens.
The Sabres chose to take Cozens with the seventh pick after his second season in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes in which he posted 34 goals and 84 points in 68 games played. He followed that up with an even better 2019-20 campaign, with 38 goals and 85 points in just 51 contests.
He is currently on the Sabres roster and has suited up for all four of their games this season, registering one assist to this point. While he may get sent to the AHL to further develop once their season gets underway, he will remain not only the Buffalo Sabres’ top prospect, but one of the best prospects in the entire league.