How Many 2013 Draft Picks Will Play In The NHL Next Season?

8.  Rasmus Ristolainen, Sabres

Jun 30, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; Rasmus Ristolainen poses for a photo after being introduced as the number eight overall pick to the Buffalo Sabres during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo needs help on defense, and Ristolainen could be a big (literally) part of the Sabres rebuild.  I don’t necessarily believe it will happen this year, and the Sabres might have learned a lesson with Grigorenko last year and ensure Ristolainen is indeed ready, which probably means at least a year in the AHL.