The Sabres' first-round NHL draft picks are in Buffalo for their first development camp.
Dylan Cozens, a high-scoring center for the Western Hockey League's Lethbridge Hurricanes, was selected by the Sabres at number seven overall. Speaking to reporters at KeyBank Center Tuesday, Cozens says having a good camp is the first step in achieving his goal of making the roster this year.
"I know that I have a lot of work to do if I want to make the jump. And, if I'm priviledged enough to, I think I'll be ready for it. If not, I'll go back to Lethbridge and I'll lead my team there and develop new leadership skills," Cozens said.
The Sabres picked defenseman Ryan Johnson at number 31. Johnson played for Sioux Falls this past season and had eight points in 12 playoff games to help the team win the Clark Cup. The 17-year-old admits "it's kind of cool" to say that he's a first-round pick.
"I'm still the same player. So even if went in the second round, I'm still the same player. So from now it's just putting in work and just developing as a player, as a person, as well," Johnson said.
Johnson and Cozens both say they are excited to be in Buffalo. The Sabres' development camp begins Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Harborcenter.
