Sonny Sachdeva of Sportsnet named his choices for the league's top five young cores on Tuesday: the Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers, a ranking based on current 25-and-younger NHL players, not developing prospects. The Sabres weren't even listed among the honorable mention group, which included the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild. 9 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, ends up playing some meaningful minutes for the Sabres before the 2026-27 season ends. Even without those notable names, it's hard to imagine Buffalo doesn't rank somewhere within the top eight when it comes to the league's best groups of young players based on the list above. 1 pick pedigree with more offensive opportunity after the Byram trade.