The Buffalo Sabres are heading into the 2025 NHL Draft with the ninth overall pick, an opportunity to add a potential franchise player to their roster. While the team has a promising young core, their defensive prospect pool lacks high-end talent close to making an NHL impact. This makes Jackson Smith, a defenseman from the Tri-City Americans of the Western Hockey League (WHL), an intriguing option for the Sabres.
Smith is a well-rounded defenseman who excels in all aspects of the game. He contributes effectively in his own zone, drives transitions, and poses a scoring threat in the offensive zone. His skating ability is a standout feature, allowing him to drive plays effectively. Standing at 6-foot-3, Smith combines size, smooth skating, and puck skills, making him a reliable asset for any team's defensive corps.
Smith's playing style has been compared to that of current Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram. He possesses great playmaking abilities and a capacity to shoot the puck. However, his best assets lie in his positioning in each zone and his ability to set up plays on rushes and in transition. In the past season, Smith recorded 11 goals and 54 points in 68 games, demonstrating his ability to both score and distribute the puck effectively while maintaining a responsible defensive presence.
Several scouting reports highlight Smith's strengths and areas for improvement. He is considered one of the best skaters in the draft, possessing great acceleration and speed for his size. His edge work, four-way mobility, and pivots are also highly praised. Smith's defensive play is generally decent, although he occasionally has lapses in assignments. He exhibits good gap control and effectively uses his reach and body in transition.
Offensively, Smith is developing confidence and willingness to engage from the point. He has been a strong power-play specialist, utilizing his vision and skating to create lanes and opportunities for his teammates. While his shot power and accuracy could use some work, his mobility allows him to find open shooting lanes. Smith is also a great passer, although he sometimes tries to force plays.
Overall, Smith has the potential to become a top-four defenseman in the NHL. He may require a couple of seasons of further development, potentially spending time in the American Hockey League (AHL) before becoming a full-time NHL player.
While some analysts suggest the Sabres should target centers to address their historical struggles at the position, adding a defenseman of Smith's caliber would significantly strengthen their blue line. Other defensemen who may be available at the ninth pick include Radim Mrtka and Kashawn Aitcheson, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the Sabres' decision will depend on their overall draft strategy and the players available when their pick comes up.
