Buffalo is being projected to lean forward-heavy in the 2026 NHL Draft, with one recent preview saying the Sabres could go in several directions with their two first-round picks. The safest read from the current buzz is that they’re expected to target a forwards first, rather than locking onto one single name.

What the buzz says

  • The Sabres have two first-round picks, which gives them flexibility.
  • Recent draft chatter points to a forward-heavy Round 1.
  • The team is described as having a well-rounded prospect pool, so they may take the best player available rather than forcing a need.

Draft context

The 2026 NHL Draft is taking place in Buffalo on June 26 and 27, which is why there’s a lot of local speculation around the Sabres’ picks right now.

Likely direction

Based on the reporting available, the most likely answer to “who is Buffalo expected to pick” is:

  1. A forward with one of their first-round selections.
  2. Possibly another best-available player depending on how the board falls.
  3. Less certainty than a single named pick, because the club has multiple options.

In other words, the current expectation is more about position trend than one confirmed player.

Bottom line

If you’re asking about the Sabres , the current expectation is that Buffalo will draft a forward early, but there isn’t a single consensus name yet in the reporting I found.