Las Vegas, Nev. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - With the 71st pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select forward Brodie Ziemer from the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP).
The Sabres moved up in the third round to make the selection of Ziemer, sending the 76th and 161st picks in the draft to the Colorado Avalanche.
The native of Hutchinson, Minnesota produced well with the USNTDP, putting up a combined 35 goals and 59 assists for 94 points in 88 games played between the program and the junior team in the United States Hockey League (USHL).
Ziemer also served as captain for Team USA at the IIHF U-18 World Championship in Finland this past spring, where he scored three goals and added nine assists for 12 points in seven games played. The United States ended up winning a silver medal in the tournament, losing to Canada in the Gold Medal Game.
Elite Prospects considers Ziemer as a two-way forward with a heavy shot that can lead to goals directly or create rebound opportunities for teammates. They also highlight his leadership skills on and office ice.
Here is more from Elite Prospects' evaluation of the 18-year-old winger:
"Puck touches are short, but numerous. He plays the short-range, give-and-go passing game, but also finds the cross-slot threats. Inside space, he deceives defenders. Without it, he deftly redirects passes through opponents into space."
Ziemer is slated to play next season as a Freshman at the University of Minnesota with the Golden Gophers.
The Sabres are next slated to pick with the 108th overall selection in Round 4.
