5 options for the Sabres with the No. 32 pick

We all knew who the Sabres would take with the No. 1 pick. 

The same can't be said for what they'll do with the first pick of the second round on Saturday [No. 32]. 

Jason Botterill is confident his team will add a solid player with the 32nd pick. Assuming, of course, he doesn't trade it #Sabres @WKBW pic.twitter.com/6W7SgHV2pr

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) June 23, 2018

With plenty of talented players available, the Sabres will have to decide whether they want to continue to bolster the blue line or add someone who can put the puck in the back of the net. 

Here are five players the Sabres should consider with their first pick on Saturday morning:

Bode Wilde
Defenseman [shoots right], United States Development Program
6'2", 196 lbs

Bode Wilde unloaded a big hit on Akil Thomas. Welcome to Russia. #U18Worlds #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/1rZzmGbaDd

— Steven Ellis (@StevenEllisNHL) April 19, 2018

Wilde has all the physical traits scouts and GM's desire. But according to experts, he often makes inexcusable mistakes. Some believe with a little time and effort, Wilde can become a solid defender in the NHL. Others believe he could likely end up a bust. At 32, he may be worth the risk. 

*For what it's worth, this would be my pick* 

Serron Noel 
Right-Wing, Oshawa Generals
6'5", 209 lbs

Just look at his size. At 6'5", Noel doesn't play like your typical power forward. A speedy-forward who can play responsibly at both ends of the ice, Noel saw his production more than double last season. After a mediocre year with Oshawa in 2016-2017, Noel tallied 53 points in 62 games with the Generals last season. With the recent departure of Hudson Fasching, Sabres fans may not be excited about the possibility of adding a big-bodied forward. But Noel's speed and ability to finish should excite fans. 

Akil Thomas
Center, Niagara Ice Dogs
6'0", 170 lbs

"I think I'm a two-way playmaker." #NHLDraft prospect Akil Thomas brings a different kind of savvy off the ice as well. pic.twitter.com/AewYCMGIxF

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 21, 2018

While with the Niagara Ice Dogs in the OHL right over the border, Thomas turned some heads. After posting 81 points in 68 games, Thomas climbed up draft boards and finished as the 15th ranked North American Skater according to NHL Central Scouting. 

Ryan McLeod
Center, Mississauga Steelheads
6'2", 190 lbs

You want speed? McLeod has serious speed and some quick hands to match. With the Steelheads,  McLeod posted an impressive 70 points in 68 games. That said, some scouts are concerned about McLeod's hockey IQ and ability to process plays. At this point in the draft, every prospect will have some flaws. It's about determining who has the greatest upside. 

Top players remaining from Bob McKenzie's list: Serron Noel (19), Ryan McLeod (22), Bode Wild (25), Jared McIsaac (26), Akil Thomas (28)

— Scott Cullen (@tsnscottcullen) June 23, 2018

Mattias Samuelsson 
Defenseman [shoots left], United State National Development Program
6'3", 216 lbs

Samuelsson, the son of former NHLer Kjell Samuelsson, had a strong season with the Under-18 team, posting 31 points in 58 games. At 6'3", he has ideal size and plenty of potential.