A look back at the players chosen in the first round of the NHL Draft from 2000 through 2009. We're reviewing the Sabres' first round picks during draft week, decade-by-decade.
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
The Sabres ended the last decade with a wasted pick and they started this one the same way. Artem Kriukov, a center from Russia, went 15th overall but remained in his homeland and never played an NHL game.
By Getty images
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
Czech center Jiri Novotny, taken 22nd overall, played 64 games here before being sent to Washington. That makes three unfruitful No. 1 picks in a row.
By Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
The Sabres make Keith Ballard the 11th overall draft pick in 2002, then trade him to Colorado for Steve Reinprecht, who they then package in a deal with Calgary that secures Chris Drury from the Flames. At least something good came out of it.
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Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
Daniel Paille became a Sabre with their second first-round pick of 1992, 20th overall. The winger had a high of 19 goals in four-plus seasons here then was traded to Boston for a third-round pick.
By Mark Mulville/Buffalo News
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
Although he starred in the 2003 Frozen Four played here, Thomas Vanek was still available when the Sabres drafted at No. 5 overall. They scooped him up and got 254 goals out of him over nine seasons.
By James P. McCoy/Buffalo News
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
In 2004, Buffalo took Drew Stafford at No. 13 overall. He played 563 games here, scoring 145 goals. Only one player draft later that June, Detroit's Johan Franzen, has more career goals than Stafford's 154.
By Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
Center Marek Zagrapan, taken 13th overall in 2005, never made it out of the minors before heading to play overseas.
By John Hickey/Buffalo News
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
Swedish defenseman Dennis Persson, selected with the 24th overall pick in 2006, never played here.
By James. P. McCoy/Buffalo News
Sabres First-Round Draft Picks: The 2000s
Winger Tyler Ennis, taken 26th, has scored at least 20 goals each of the last two seasons.
