BUFFALO – After selecting Jack Eichel with their first pick in the draft (second overall), the conventional wisdom is the Buffalo Sabres will select a defenseman with their next selection, (21st overall). This is the sentiment despite the fact recent high draft choices Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov are already in place.
Most General Managers will explain that they will take the top player on their board. In the case of the Pro Hockey News mock draft there are some fine players who remain on the board. 
This is likely to be the case in Sunrise, Florida. There is an excellent chance Buffalo GM Tim Murray will see the same scenario played out. A player or three who has unexpectedly dropped through the cracks will be available for the taking.
This also makes this pick a prime trade target. Teams who will select in the early 20’s or even the 30’s could find the cost to move up reasonable. If Murray decides he would like to stockpile a few picks, can acquire a current NHL player and/or determines his next target could be chosen later in the draft, he may be tempted to move.
That being said, we’re not accounting for trades in this mock draft, so Buffalo will use their pick from St. Louis acquired in the Ryan Miller trade to add to their stockpile of young talent.
As much as teams say, and mostly do, draft according to their rankings, as long as it isn’t too much of a reach, need will tip the balance one way or another.
In this case it does not seem that the will Sabres need to stretch too far to select defenseman Jakup Zboril from the Saint John program in the QMJHL.
Zaboril impressed some scouts with his willingness to mix it up and play within his means. Even though he is only 18 some felt he should have played with the Czech Republic’s U20 squad this season.
Due to the fact Buffalo is still integrating young players onto the NHL blueline. it is likely the club can give Zboril a couple of more years in junior to develop his game.
“With the 21st overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres, defenseman Jakup Zboril.”
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