Sabres Must Trust Kevyn Adams’ Draft Strategy—One More Time

As the NHL Draft approaches, the Buffalo Sabres find themselves at a pivotal moment. General Manager Kevyn Adams hasn’t had an easy tenure—marked by inconsistent results and cap missteps—but one area where he’s consistently delivered is the NHL Draft.

Over the past five years, Adams has quietly built one of the league’s strongest prospect pools. Of the 11 players he’s selected in the first and second rounds, eight have already made their NHL debuts with the Sabres. Some are still developing, but a few are on track to become the franchise’s future cornerstones. Even more impressive: all eight are still with the organization.

Adams has excelled at identifying top-tier talent early in the draft, and if he can turn one or two of his mid-to-late-round picks into contributors, his draft résumé becomes nearly bulletproof. His success has given the Sabres enough depth to pursue big moves without depleting their future.

Still, the pressure is mounting. The Sabres need to reach the playoffs, and Adams needs to prove he can lead them there. His draft success has bought him time—but not much. This year’s draft is a make-or-break moment. He must hit on this pick and do everything possible to retain rising star JJ Peterka, a top-six winger the Sabres can’t afford to lose for nothing.

Adams’ drafting ability offers hope—but now that hope needs to translate into results. One more draft, one more chance. The Sabres—and their GM—can’t afford to miss.