Check out the Buffalo Sabers’ 2024 draft class

Buffalo acquired the 71st overall pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for picks No. 76 and 161.

The Sabres used the third-round pick to select forward Brodie Ziemer, who scored 70 points (27+43) in 61 games with the U.S. National Team Development Program, finishing fourth on the team in points.

A native of Hutchinson, Minnesota, Ziemer captained Team USA at the U-18 World Championship, leading the team to a silver medal after tallying three goals and nine assists in seven games.

At 5-foot-11 and 196 pounds, Ziemer has committed to play at the University of Minnesota in 2024-25.

Forton shared that if the Sabers hadn’t moved up to get Ziemer, they might have had to move down about 20 spots on their draft list for the next available player.

“As a captain of Team USA, he’s been a top-six player all season long, two seasons in fact,” Forton said. “He’s a player that differentiates players and teammates and really drives the whole culture of teams and programs. I’m very confident — we’re all very close on our team with the University of Minnesota — I can almost guarantee that he’s going to be like he was in the national program. He’s going to be a future captain at the University of Minnesota. And he’s got a game off the line, but he’s also got good hands around the net and a good shot overall.”

Round 4

Luke Osburn – D – Youngstown (USHL) | 108th overall