It's always been tough to predict how good an 18-year-old kid will be in four or five years when he's ready to join the league. Nowadays, teams not only have to project a player's talent, they have to guess whether the prospect even wants to play in North America. Russia's Kontinental Hockey League has become an alluring destination, and other European leagues appeal to players, too, especially those who learned the game overseas.

It's one reason why a trend has developed for the Buffalo Sabres. Every pick during the Sabres' last three drafts — all 22 players taken from 2007 to 2009 — has been American or Canadian. There's no guarantee all their selections during this week's draft in Los Angeles will be North Americans, but it's a safe bet the majority will be.

The Sabres' recent history with European draftees shows why North Americans have become the safer selection:

• Dennis Persson, selected in the first round of the 2006 draft, had a two-year deal with the Swedish Elite league and stayed one extra year before finally joining the Sabres' organization full time last season.

• Marek Zagrapan, the first-round pick in 2005, spent three years in the minors with the Sabres and decided to sign with the KHL rather than attempt to make the NHL in his fourth season.

• Philip Gogulla, who followed Zagrapan in the second round in 2005, had to be talked into joining the Sabres' organization last year after spending four seasons in his homeland of Germany. He quickly tired of the experiment and, after just one season in Portland, has re- signed with his German club.

This draft is much heavier with forward talent, and that's what Buffalo is aiming for in the 1st rd.

No need for violence, just tell her she's got a game misconduct and show her the door.

As I said in the GDT, the call on Rivet was horseshit. The Bruins player was holding onto Rivet's stick like it was the last fucking raft on the Titanic.

But the past few years we've gone for more size also.

We stayed away from the "Soft Euro Trash" and picked up "Gritty North American" players instead, what else are we to DO? :O

I have to admit this team staying away from Soft Euro players has helped but this team needs more size and skill up front in the worst way. I just don't think it's a great idea to have 4 of your top 9 up front being 5'9" or smaller. It's not the recipe for a long playoff run.

The Sabres need to draft nearly all forwards this year, we have I think at last count 14 defensive prospects in our system at the moment. If the best available player is European and we dont draft him, I'd be shocked. You do whats best for your system, it's just that more European born players are spending time in the CHL, WHL, OHL, etc; than before, and thats leading to a drop in the draft picks from European hockey clubs.

Define most, 10 of the top 25 scoring leaders last year were European born and trained players...if you're saying most as in Gogulla, then yes that's correct, but most guys that are drafted to the NHL teams, play AHL or NHL hockey. Especially those drafted in the first 2 or 3 rounds.

Zagrapan, and Gogulla are the exception, the rule is, European born and trained players come here to play.

Why does everyone hate the European players so much on these boards? I just dont get it. Especially with their proven track record in the NHL. Many of the "superstars" in this league are Europeans, and have no problem adapting to the NHL style game. Zetterberg, Koivu, Sedins, Backstrom, Lidstrom, etc; I think they do a damn fine job.

I know this team doesn't need to draft a goalie with Enroth waiting in the wings but you have to take who you feel is the best player available. I really don't think you can afford to reach when this team can't afford to waste 1st round picks that don't pan out.

i disagree


we need to draft the best player available in the position that we need the most, not who is the top player overall

If Jack Campbell is available at the 23 spot, the Sabres need to take him. Unlike a lot of people, I do NOT think Jhonas Enroth is NHL-ready. He's good and can go on sick runs, but he also craps the bed too much. He's reminding me more and more of Antero Nittymaki, and I pay a lot of attention to him.

I would shit a brick if we saw the Sabres take the next great American goalie in the first round, and I mean that in a good way.

I have to admit this team staying away from Soft Euro players has helped but this team needs more size and skill up front in the worst way. I just don't think it's a great idea to have 4 of your top 9 up front being 5'9" or smaller. It's not the recipe for a long playoff run.

I think alot of people that are fans of this team would be pissed if we took a goalie at 23. Don't get me wrong he might end up being a great goalie but the problem with the Sabres is they don't have any prospects in the system that are gifted offensively besides Adam and Kassian. Yes we all know about good goaltending but this team needs offensive players that can score.

I know this team doesn't need to draft a goalie with Enroth waiting in the wings but you have to take who you feel is the best player available. I really don't think you can afford to reach when this team can't afford to waste 1st round picks that don't pan out.