Sabres' Late-Round Pick Demers: Skating Sensation Poised for NHL Impact

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, March 23rd 2026 at 18:49 GMT by Sporting News
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Sabres' Late-Round Pick Demers: A Newfoundland Skating Sensation Poised for NHL Impact

The Buffalo Sabres' 2024 NHL Draft pick, Zachiro Demers, is rapidly emerging as a prospect to watch, defying expectations and generating significant buzz within hockey circles. Selected in the fifth round (158th overall), the defenseman from Newfoundland is already attracting comparisons to one of the league's most dynamic players - New Jersey Devils star Quinn Hughes. While still a developing talent, the praise surrounding Demers' skating ability suggests the Sabres may have found a genuine steal.

Demers' ascent from relative obscurity to potential NHL future is a testament to his exceptional athleticism and the increasingly sophisticated scouting networks employed by modern NHL teams. Historically, fifth-round picks are long shots, often relying on sheer work ethic and a bit of luck to make the league. However, Demers offers something beyond determination: elite-level skating. Scouts describe his on-ice movement as fluid, agile, and possessing a remarkable top speed. This isn't simply about quickness in a straight line; it's the combination of acceleration, edge work, and overall control that's turning heads.

"He's got that elite skating ability that you don't see often," a scout told The Hockey News. "He can really fly, and that makes him so dangerous defensively. He can cover a lot of ground, get back to his position quickly, and disrupt plays before they develop." This defensive prowess isn't just about speed, either. Exceptional skating allows Demers to maintain optimal positioning, anticipate opponent movements, and effectively close gaps, making him a formidable opponent in his own zone.

Currently honing his skills in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Demers is enjoying a solid, though not spectacular, season. While statistics paint a partial picture, scouts emphasize that raw numbers don't fully capture his potential. He's still a project, requiring physical development and refinement of his overall game. At this stage, his frame needs to add strength to withstand the rigors of professional hockey, and his offensive game needs to be more consistently polished. However, the foundational elements are undeniably there. The Sabres' development staff will likely focus on these areas during his upcoming years of growth.

Buffalo's commitment to bolstering their defense makes Demers an especially intriguing prospect. The team has faced challenges in recent years constructing a consistently reliable defensive corps, and they've made it a priority to address this weakness through both free agency and the draft. Demers doesn't represent an immediate fix, but he offers a long-term solution with the potential to become a cornerstone of the Sabres' back end. His skating ability immediately elevates his ceiling, differentiating him from many other defensive prospects.

The comparison to Quinn Hughes is significant. Hughes has redefined the modern defenseman with his exceptional skating, offensive instincts, and puck-moving ability. While Demers may not possess the same offensive flair yet, the underlying skating mechanics are strikingly similar, giving analysts a tangible benchmark for his potential. Hughes' success demonstrates the value of a mobile, puck-handling defenseman in today's NHL, and the Sabres are likely hoping Demers can emulate at least some of those qualities.

Beyond Demers, the Sabres have also been active in securing their future prospects, recently signing forward Elijah Coleman to an entry-level contract (see Sabres sign prospect to ELC). This commitment to development, coupled with the team's recent draft selections, signals a clear strategy of building through youth. The ongoing flurry of activity around the league, as tracked by the NHL trade tracker, demonstrates the competitive landscape and the importance of identifying and nurturing young talent.

Ultimately, Demers' journey to the NHL won't be a straight line. It will require dedicated coaching, consistent effort, and a bit of fortune. However, the initial scouting reports and the excitement surrounding his skating ability suggest that the Buffalo Sabres may have uncovered a true gem in the fifth round - a Newfoundland native with the potential to become a valuable asset for years to come.