2016 NHL Mock Draft: Coyotes draft Auston Matthews

The Buffalo Sabres blue line is arguably the worst in the NHL. They lack a top pairing partner for Rasmus Ristolainen, who the Sabres are likely going to extend this summer once he becomes a restricted free agent. Mikhail Sergachyov is the answer for the Sabres blue line woes.

Sergachyov doesn’t quite have the offensive potential of Ivan Provorov (the Flyers first round pick of the 2015 NHL Draft), but the two play a similar style. They both love to be active wherever they are on the ice, whether they are leading rushes up the ice or shutting down opponents in the defensive zone. Sergachyov is very creative with the puck and has great instincts. He knows when to be creative and when to just make the safe play.

Mikhail Sergachyov is not afraid to throw his body around. He uses every inch of his 6’2″ frame and at 205 pounds, he isn’t afraid to get physical. Like many young defensemen, Sergachyov must become more disciplined with 54 penalty minutes in 64 games. His +10 plus-minus rating is a bit deceiving because of all the ice time that he accumulates for the Windsor Spitfires.

Sergachyov has an impressive work ethic and is extremely competitive. Not only that, he has made a seamless transition from the MHL to the OHL.

Next: #9: Vancouver Canucks