The Sabres went local with their fifth-round selection, drafting center Matteo Costantini from the Buffalo Junior Sabres of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
Costantini, a native of St. Catharine's, Ont., tallied 68 points (36+32) in 50 games this past season. He was named OJHL Rookie of the Year and received Second All-Star Team honors.
Junior Sabres president Patrick Kaleta described him as having good hockey sense and a focused attitude.
"So, character-wise, he's a very, very solid kid," Kaleta said. "And then skills-wise, on the ice, I think his game can speak for itself. You don't get drafted to the NHL if that part is lacking. Obviously, as you get older, speed and skill gets better and better at every level. So, he'll have to work.
"But that character part of his game, where that work ethic and determination and perseverance comes into play, that's why you draft a kid like that because he knows it's going to take work. He'll do whatever he can to get to the point where he puts on the actual Sabres jersey."
The 6-foot-0, 174-pound centerman is slated to spend next season with Penticton of the British Columbia Hockey League and before beginning his NCAA career with the University of North Dakota in 2021-22.