The Buffalo Sabres continue to work even without a GM, signing Devante Stephens to a three-year entry-level contract. The Kelowna Rockets defenseman was drafted by the Sabres in the fifth round in 2015 but found success this season with 35 points in 67 games. Somewhat of a late bloomer, Stephens was on the list of draft picks that would have become free agents if not signed by June 1st.
Ironically it was Greg Royce, the recently fired director of amateur scouting for the Sabres who spoke so highly of Stephens after the 2015 draft, telling Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat “I really firmly believe he will be a top-six defenseman in the NHL.” Even though Royce is now gone, the Sabres are still getting that possible steal who was also a favorite of the outgoing Dan Bylsma. The talented two-way defenseman won’t dazzle with flash, but gets the job done—something that Buffalo desperately needs in their system.
Because Stephens is already 20, he’ll likely head to the Rochester Americans of the AHL next season where he can continue to develop his game as his body matures. Still only listed at 172-lbs, he’ll need to fill out his 6’1″ frame a bit to make a real impact in the defensive zone of an NHL game.