BUFFALO — The Buffalo Sabres went big by selecting rugged right wing Zack Kassian with the No. 13 pick in the NHL Draft on Friday.
Listed at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Kassian had 24 goals and 39 assists in 61 games for Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League last season. His 63 points ranked second on the team. He also finished among the top 20 in the league with 136 penalty minutes.
In two OHL seasons, Kassian has 33 goals and 51 assists for 84 points, with 210 penalty minutes in 119 games.
Earlier this week, Sabres general manager Darcy Regier indicated he was looking to add size and grit to his team through the draft.
The Sabres, who have missed the playoffs for two straight seasons, have been knocked for a lineup featuring too many undersized forwards. Kassian is expected to continue developing in the juniors next season.
Chris Edwards of NHL Central Scouting described Kassian as being “one of the toughest guys in the OHL and probably the entire draft.” Edwards also noted that Kassian is tough along the boards, can power through checks and is a good puck-handler.
Buffalo went big in opening the draft last year, when it selected 6-foot-7 defenseman Tyler Myers with the No. 12 pick. Myers is coming off a solid junior season with Kelowna of the Western Hockey League, and expected to be given a shot to make the Sabres’ lineup this season.
Buffalo had just one selection in the first round, and concludes the two-day draft with five picks on Saturday, starting with No. 66.
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Ryan Remiorz
June 26, 2009
SABRES: Rugged winger Kassian drafted No. 13
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