David Bedkowski participated in the NHL Scouting Combine earlier this month in LECOM Harborcenter. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

Sabres pick David Bedkowski morphed from ‘soft’ rookie into tough prospect

ORCHARD PARK – By his own admission, Buffalo Sabres prospect David Bedkowski arrived in the Ontario Hockey League as a “really soft” 15-year-old.

The toughness that has become the 6-foot-4, 221-pound right-shot defenseman’s greatest asset was non-existent.

“That wasn’t really part of my game at all,” Bedkowski said on a Zoom call Saturday after the Sabres selected him in the third round, 71st overall, in the NHL Draft.

So Derek Laxdal, his coach with the ... Read the full article

David Bedkowski played for two junior teams last season. ©2025, Micheline Veluvolu

NHL Draft Tracker: Sabres select David Bedkowski 71st overall, take goalies

ORCHARD PARK – The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon selected right-shot defenseman David Bedkowski in the third round, 71st overall, in the NHL Draft.

“Looking at myself with these colors, the Blue and Gold, it’s truly an out-of-body experience for me,” Bedkowski, proudly sporting a Sabres jersey, said on a Zoom call from Los Angeles. I’m super excited to be going to Buffalo

The 6-foot-5, 221-pound Bedkowski compiled three goals, seven points and 73 penalty minutes ... Read the full article