Nashville, Tenn. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Sabres opened their second day of the 2023 NHL Draft by using their first pick in Round 2, 39th overall, to select center Anton Wahlberg from the Malmö Redhawks' junior program in Sweden.
Wahlberg made his debut in the Swedish Hockey League as a 16-year in during the 2021-22 season. He has has played a total of 18 games in the SHL over the last seasons, scoring two goals and two assists for four points.
The 6-foot-3, 192-pound native of Malmö played a total of 54 games last season between the SHL and J20 Nationell with Malmö. In 32 games with Malmö's junior team, Wahlberg scored 14 goals and added 13 assists for 27 points.
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According to Elite Prospects, Wahlberg is under contract with Malmö through next season, which opens the door for a potential move to North America starting in 2024.
The Sabres' next selection comes in the second round with the 45th overall selection.
