Sabres take forward Vasily Zelenov with 204th pick in 2024 NHL Draft

Las Vegas, Nev. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - With their first pick in the seventh round (204th overall) in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres select winger Vasily Zelenov from Red Bull Hockey Juniors in the AlpsHL in Austria.

The Russian-born forward has been playing in Austria over the last five years. Last season saw the 18-year-old crack the professional Red Bull Hockey Juniors team, where he put up 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points in 40 points.

In the playoffs, Zelenov scored three goals and added three assists for six points in 11 games.

The 6-foot, 181-pound winger could return to Austria for the 2024-25 season and play once again the Red Bull Hockey Juniors program. However, he was also selected in the 2024 USHL Draft by the Green Bay Gamblers, giving him the option to make the jump to North America this upcoming year.

Zelenov also has a twin brother, Ivan, who plays with EC Salzburg's junior program in the ICE Hockey League in Austria.

Buffalo will wrap up its 2024 NHL Draft with the 219th overall pick in Round 7.