With the conclusion of the 2013 NHL Draft, it’s time for an updated look at the Buffalo Sabres prospect rankings.

The list has expanded from 20 to 30 this time around.

This draft saw Buffalo target defense early, despite what seemed like solid depth at the position. However, the Sabres future at the blueline looks like it might be better than ever. There are a lot of physical players. Some will be ready soon and others are a year or two away. It should make this team tougher to play against whenever they arrive.

General Manager Darcy Regier also added a few forwards to the group after going defense with the first two picks. This adds some depth to the forward ranks, but there still appears to be a lack of elite talent near the top. The top two prospects, in my opinion, are forwards, but beyond that there are a lot of bruisers that aren’t necessarily scorers. This may be addressed via trade this summer or may be something the team does in later drafts.

This list holds the future of a franchise that has never won a cup. Are they players going to be hoisting the cup for the blue and gold om

(Prospects are considered any player that is both under the age of 24 and has played less than 50 games or remained on an NHL roster for an entire season. Some players may occasionally break these guidelines under special circumstances).

This list will be updated as players’ performances dictate their place on the list. Players will be removed from the list when they surpass the prospect definition above, and others will be added when acquired.