With the 12th overall pick, the Buffalo Sabres select center Mikhail Grigorenko of the Quebec Ramparts!
Grigorenko was expected to be taken in the top 5 of the draft but was able to slide to Buffalo after 8 of the top 10 picks were defenseman.
Here’s what NHL’s Central Scout, David Gregory, had to say about Grigorenko.
“He’s the type of player that controls the whole pace of the game. He can play with the puck at the same pace he plays without the puck. He sees the ice and opportunities really well. He can hang onto it longer than most players; some players might feel that they have to move it quickly, but Mikhail has the patience and the ability to see opportunities and let them develop, which is a special skill. He’s got a big, long reach and an ability to move in traffic with his size (6-foot-3.25, 200). He’s the kind of forward who will control the play and make things happen.”