Buffalo used their initial slot to take 17‑year‑old forward Ilia Morozov, twentieth pick in the NHL Draft. He played last season as a center at Miami University in Ohio, in the NCAA.
The club hopes his two‑way style will give the forward line more depth. Scouts liked his physical stature and his glide, and several teams talked about him on draft day. This is the Sabres’ second first‑round centre in a decade. Morozov will sign his entry‑level deal next month and will report to the development camp in September.