As I was sitting in my living room watching the entry draft unfold, I noticed that Western New York native Brooks Orpik was sliding down the draft. The Colorado Avs were up to pick and I figured for sure they would take Orpik. After all, Orpik was projected to get drafted within the top 10 picks. Luckly the Avs picked some Russian center. I said to myself "Yes, Luce will definitely take my man Brooks Orpik." The Sabres brass encroaches the platform. Don Luce, the director of scouting quietly mumbles "Artem Kriukov." Who?
As it turned out, with the 15th overall selection in the 2000 draft, the Sabres selected Russian center Artem Kriukov out of Yaroslavl. He was ranked 7th among Europeans on the CSS Mid-Term Report, his final ranking was 14th.
The Central Scouting department had this to say about Artem, "A big, fast skater with a powerful shot ... possesses a high overall skill level with good hockey sense ... an effective playmaker with strong passing skills ... a good puckhandler who manouvres well in heavy traffic ... needs to improve his confidence."
This pick could either turn into a complete bust or an absolute steal. The story with Artem is his health history. He has suffered at least one concussion within the last year and perhaps more. The Sabres said they checked on his medical history and believe the concussions will not be a factor in the future. This came as quite a surprise considering what the Sabres went through with Pat Lafaintaine.
The choice of Kriukov appears to fill several needs in the Sabres organization. Kriukov could be a player who has an extremely high upside. He was the size and skill to be a star in the NHL. He also joins Mike Zigomanis as the only centers who have a shot at the NHL. Artem has great size at 6-3, but could stand to fill out more because he only weighs in at 180. The size factor is something Buffalo lacks up the middle and up front in general.
In the second round the Sabres opted to replenish the defensive ranks. They choose Gerald Diclaire, defenseman out of Seattle of the WHL. He was ranked 40th on the CSS Mid-Term Report, and his final ranking was 31st.
The Central Scouting Bureau had this to say about Gerald, "A smooth skater who pivots well to either side ... a strong passer and a confident puckhandler who likes to join the offensive rush ... plays a strong transitional game ... often quarterbacks the power play ... has a good shot from the point ... very strong in one-on-one situations ... a smart player who is not overly physical but delivers very good open-ice body checks."
This was probably my favorite pick of the draft. Diclaire clearly is the "offensive defenseman" which the Sabres could stand to develop. He is the youngest player to be drafted this year, so it is almost like the Sabres have an extra year to develop Gerald. He possesses mobility which is extremely important these days. He is a little small, but he will grow as he gains age.
The Sabres traded this years 3rd rounder in the Gratton deal.
In the 4th round, the Sabres went back to drafting yet another goalie. Ghyslain Rousseau out of the QMJL was the Sabres choice. Luce said he really liked this goalie's size and quickness. Regier also said it is a priority for the Sabres to draft at least one goalie a year who they think can play in the NHL. Rousseau will have plenty of time to develop, as Hasek, Biron, Noronen and Miller are all ahead of him on the depth chart. He was rated the 12th best NA goalie by Central Scouting.
In the 5th round, the Sabres again tried to restock the defense by taking Russian Denis Denisov. Luce said he really liked the way that Denisov moved the puck and skated. Played well at the WJC. Is a little small at 6 foot, 183 and will have to bulk up.
In the 7th round, the Sabres selected forward Vasily Bizyayev, 6’1", 196lbs. Little is known about this guy expect he can score goals. Even Luce didnt seem to know to much about this foreigner.
With another pick in the 7th round the Sabres selected forward Paul Gaustad 6-3,195lbs. He is a fan favorite over in the WHL with Portland. Works hard and plays tough. Isnt much of a scorer, but could develop still. Strong work ethic.
By trading into the 8th round, the Sabres selected Sean McMorrow 6-4, 199lbs out of Kitchener, OHL. This guy is a big tough defenseman who lacks in the skating and mobilty department. Since the Sabres traded into the round to select McMorrow, they obviously saw something in him.
With the final pick in the 2000 draft, the Sabres choose Ryan Courtney 6-2, 195lbs, Windsor OHL. He plays the left wing but is a longshot to ever get a pro contract.
Buffalo traded its sixth-round pick in the 2000 Entry Draft (182nd overall) to Montreal for Montreal's fifth-round pick in 2001.
Tampa Bay traded Ottawa's seventh-round pick in the 2000 Entry Draft (previously acquired, 220th overall) to Buffalo for Buffalo's seventh and ninth-round picks in 2001.
Calgary traded its eighth-round compensatory pick in the 2000 Entry Draft (258th overall) to Buffalo for Buffalo's eighth-round pick in 2001.
Overall, this years draft class seems a little suspect. Alot of stock will be put into the development of the first rounder. The Sabres did address the problems of depth at the center and defense positions. They also seemed to favor size this year. In the past Sabres drafted purely for speed. Perhaps this is a change in philosophy? No one will see any of these guys for another 3 years but it is fun to project and know who you have. Luce has gained the respect of every fan so it is hard to question him at this juncture.
