Sexton discusses organizational depth, 2020 draft class on Instigators

Buffalo Sabres assistant general manager Randy Sexton joined The Instigators on Wednesday to discuss the state of the organization's defense cupboard, the upcoming draft lottery, and more.

You can watch the conversation in its entirety below. Here are some takeaways.

Watch: Youtube Video

On Lawrence Pilut and the defense

Sexton, who is general manager for the Rochester Americans, commented on the decision made by defenseman Lawrence Pilut to sign a two-year contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL.

Pilut, 24, was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.

"I was a little surprised because we had been in regular dialogue with Lawrence and things seemed to be on track but obviously he made a decision he felt to be in his best interest, so we wish him all the best in Chelyabinsk," Sexton said. "But, really, we're excited about our young D corps."

Sexton pointed to two defensemen in particular who could earn an NHL roster spot next fall in Pilut's absence. Jacob Bryson - a left shot, like Pilut - is one candidate after impressing as a rookie in Rochester last season. He tied for fifth on the Amerks with 27 points (4+23) in 61 games.

As the season wore on, Bryson became a presence on the Rochester power play. He finished the season with points in five straight games.

"He really started to blossom," Sexton said.

Another candidate is William Borgen, who played a four-game stint with the Sabres to end the 2018-19 campaign. Sexton said Borgen has embraced his role as an in-your-face, physical, puck-moving defenseman and believes either he or Bryson could make the jump next season.

"I think both of them are going to be right there," Sexton said. "… You have to have a good camp and the preface to a good camp is to have a tremendous offseason. We've been in touch with those guys to make sure that they're doing their workouts. They both have started to skate a little bit, which is fine. They're diligent in the gym. So, we do believe they'll all put in the time and have the type of offseason needed to put themselves in position to have a good camp.

"Sometimes, it's an injury. Sometimes, it's just great play that gives them an opportunity. But I really do believe if they stay healthy and have good summers that they are both going to be very difficult to reassign to Rochester at the end of training camp and the preseason."

On Casey Mittelstadt's time in Rochester

Mittelstadt had already played 114 NHL games by the time he was assigned to Rochester last December. Sexton recalled being encouraged by Mittelstadt's conversation with coach Chris Taylor upon joining the Amerks.

"In his very first meeting with Chris Taylor in Rochester, he said, 'Tayls, what do I need to do to become an everyday player in the NHL?'" Sexton recalled. "So, they talked about it and Casey deserves a lot of credit because he came to Rochester with an open mind and a great attitude."

Sexton said Mittelstadt's to-do list encompassed details away from the puck that are necessary in a defensively responsible player at the NHL level.

"It didn't come right away," he said. "He's used to having the puck on his stick all the time and at the pro level you don't always have that. But then what we saw in the latter games was he had woven that defensive responsibility into his game and then once his confidence came back we started to see the quality of puck play and offensive generating that we saw when he was so dynamic at the World Juniors when they were in Buffalo."

On the NHL Draft

The Sabres will find out where they will pick at the NHL Draft when the league holds its revamped lottery on June 26. The Sabres can win any of the top three selections or pick anywhere from seventh to 10th.

"This draft class is an excellent draft class, no doubt," Sexton said. "Obviously, some very high-end players, but also good depth. I would say if you're picking anywhere in the top 10, you're going to get a very good player. Depending where you pick, the player might be able to step into the NHL next year.

"I think there's probably a couple players who would be physically ready to do it - whether they're mentally ready remains to be seen, but would have the physical capability to at least start the season there. So, there's a good slew of forwards in that top 12, top 15. Not as many defensemen, but some very good defensemen. We're bullish on the player we're going to get."