Sabres sign 2022 1st-round picks to entry-level deals

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forwards Matt Savoie, Noah Ostlund, and Jiri Kulich to three-year, entry-level contracts, the team announced Friday.
Buffalo selected Savoie (ninth overall), Ostlund (16th), and Kulich (28th) last Thursday during the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft. The three forwards are currently participating in their first development camp, though Savoie is not practicing due to an injury he sustained last month during the WHL playoffs.
Rochester Americans assistant coach Michael Peca, who is one of the instructors at development camp, spoke Friday about the early impressions made by the three first rounders.

"It's unfortunate we don't get to see Matthew on the ice this week, but the other two have been incredibly impressive," Peca said.
"I think Noah, his ability to move around the ice and his strength on the puck is incredible. And then obviously Kulich, I think he's just edged (forward JJ) Peterka out in the amount of oohs and ahs he's created in the stands with his scoring ability. To see these kids come in at 18, it's impressive."

Savoie said he expects to be 100-percent cleared to resume hockey activities in the coming weeks. In the meantime, he spoke Thursday about the value of spending time alongside prospects with NHL experience such as Mattias Samuelsson, Peyton Krebs, and Owen Power.
"When you have experienced guys that have played in the NHL, still being around the young guys, still going through training camps like this, it's definitely a good thing," he said. "It's good to have the whole young core together and building relationships with each other. So, I think being here is really great for the organization."

The selections of Savoie, Ostlund, and Kulich added to an organizational depth chart that includes eight first-round picks under the age of 25, all of whom have signed contracts.
"I just think, really the top NHL teams, they have good centermen," general manager Kevyn Adams said at the draft. "And we feel that we added some good talent to our lineup. And we'll be patient. … We're not gonna be in a spot where we're gonna rush anyone. We're gonna let these guys develop."