The Sabres have sunk back to the bottom of the NHL standings as they hit the NHL All-Star break in the midst of a franchise-worst 11-game regulation losing streak. Finishing in last place would guarantee the Sabres one of the top two picks in the draft next summer.
No surprises on NHL's Central Scouting's midterm rankings of the top North American players available for the upcoming draft. Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel sit at Nos. 1 and 2 respectively.
Despite missing six weeks with a broken finger, McDavid still ranks near the top of the OHL with 60 points for the Erie Otters. He also played a roll in Canada winning the world junior championship, pitching in 11 points over seven games -- tied for most in the tournament. McDavid has 74 goals over three OHL seasons.
Eichel, a freshman at Boston University, is leading the NCAA in scoring with 34 points. He was also was the captain of Team USA in the recent world junior tournament, recording a goal and four points in five games.
Noah Hanifin of Boston College, Lawson Crouse of Kingston and Dylan Strome also of the Erie Otters round out the top five.
A local standout also made the grade on the NHL's Central Scouting midterm report. Williamsville Native and St. Joe's product Dennis Gilbert is rated 72nd among North American skaters.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound defenseman currently playing junior for the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. He has 3 goals and 17 points in 33 games this season.
Gilbert is committed to play collegiately at Notre Dame next season.