Coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month, the Buffalo Sabres got the lowdown on a number of prospects that could be their with the ninth selection at the 2025 Draft in Los Angeles this week, but barring a trade up they will have to rely on the player they want slipping through the cracks.
The NY Islanders are likely to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the top overall pick, but there is no accurate read on how the remaining seven picks will break. That seems to be reflected in various mock drafts that have emerged since the combine. After Schaefer, names like Michael Misa, Caleb Desnoyers, and rising star Anton Frondell are likely to go in the top five, but at that point, any of a number of players could be there for the Sabres at #9.
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Justin Carbonneau is a player who is ranked just outside of the top 10 on many mock drafts, but has the combination of physicality and skill that might intrigue the Sabres at #9. The 18-year-old debuted in the QMJHL at 16 and in his second season with Blainville-Boisbriand scored 31 goals. Last season, the 6’1”, 192 lb. winger led the Armada in goals (46), assists (43) and points (89).
According to the Hockey News Draft Preview, Carbonneau is a power forward who put up impressive offensive numbers but has issues with consistency. If he can get a handle on that, he’ll have a solid future in the NHL. Some scouts struggle to see a clear identity, but Carbonneau is a good skater, can hit, win puck battles and go to the net, which NHL clubs are looking for, especially in a copycat league where the Florida Panthers have won a pair of Stanley Cups.
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