Buffalo Sabres Prospects: Top 25 Under 25 Honorable Mentions Breakdown
Buffalo Sabres prospects top 25 under 25 honorable mentions breakdown. Imagine being on the cusp of greatness but just missing the cut. That’s the story for these honorable mentions in the Buffalo Sabres top 25 under 25 list. A heartfelt thank you to the 117 enthusiastic participants who cast their votes in Die by the Blades annual poll. Before diving into the official rankings, let’s shine a spotlight on the players who narrowly missed making the top 25. These are the athletes who deserve recognition for their hard work and potential, even if they didn’t quite make the final list. This year, 49 eligible players were in the running. Some familiar faces from last year’s top 25s, like Raasmus Dalan and Matias Samuelson, have aged out. Others, such as JJ Purka and Dylan Kosins, are no longer part of the organization. But here’s where it gets interesting. The players who just missed the cut are often the ones to watch in the future. Let’s dive into the stories of a few standout players who were oh so close to making the top 25. Jake Richard, RW Wing L. Jake Richard, a 20-year-old forward, was drafted by the Sabres in the 2022 draft at 170th overall. He recently wrapped up his second season playing NCAA Division 1 hockey at the University of Connecticut, and it was a breakout year for him. Richard racked up 43 points in 34 games, more than doubling his previous season’s production. Out of his 15 goals, an impressive seven were scored on the power play. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the Hockey East third team all-star roster. Richard will be back at Yukon this fall for his junior year, and fans are eager to see what he brings to the ice next. David Bedkowski D. At just 18 years old, David Bedkowski was drafted by the Sabres with the 71st overall pick this year. This right shot defender from Toronto is known for his aggressive and physical style of play. In 35 games with the OHL’s Owen Sound attack, he accumulated 73 penalty minutes. Elite Prospects describes him as a player with a mean streak known for delivering punishing hits and dominating on the ice. Bedcowski isn’t just about physicality. He also shows confidence in the attacking zone, joining the rush and making smart plays. Gavin McCarthy. Gavin McCarthy, a 20-year-old defenseman from Clarence, was drafted by the Sabres in 2023 at 86th overall. In his sophomore season at Boston University, he tallied 16 points, including 13 assists, and racked up 51 penalty minutes in 39 games. Before being drafted, elite prospects praised him as a robust defender and clever creator known for his crushing hits and ability to eliminate threats. For more insights, check out this article from Buffalo HockeyB about McCarthy’s promising future. Luke Osburn. Luke Osburn, an 18-year-old defenseman, was drafted by the Sabres at 108th overall last year. He spent the past season with the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, where he nearly doubled his point production from his rookie year. Osburn scored 10 goals and 31 assists for a total of 41 points in 55 games, a significant jump from his 23 points in 60 games the previous season. His impressive performance earned him the title of USHL defenseman of the year. Doppler Prospects describes
Explore the Buffalo Sabres’ most promising young talents who narrowly missed the Top 25 Under 25 list. This video analyzes:
1. **Jake Richard** – NCAA standout with 43 points in 34 games
2. **David Bedkowski** – 2024 NHL Draft pick (71st overall) and physical enforcer
3. **Gavin McCarthy** – Hard-hitting blue liner with 51 PIM in 39 games
4. **Luke Osburn** – USHL Defenseman of the Year and puck-moving phenom
5. **Matteo Costantini** – AHL-bound forward entering pro debut
Learn why former Top 25 members like Dahlin, Samuelsson, and Cozens are absent. Perfect for—@Sabres fans tracking development camp progress.
