Buffalo Sabres select Adam Kleber No. 42 overall in 2024 NHL Draft

On Saturday at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the Buffalo Sabres took Adam Kleber in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, No. 42 overall.

Kleber spent the 2023-24 season with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL) where he collected five goals and 21 assists for 26 points in 56 games. He added one goal and one assist in five USHL Playoff contests. It’s a big step in terms of offensive production after he nearly tripled his output from the 2022-23 season as a rookie, where he scored just eight points in 56 USHL games with the Stars, 

His towering 6-foot-5 frame allows for him to leave large gaps and attack with his reach, he projects as a physical shutdown presence as a pro.

After two seasons in the USHL, Kleber is off to the University of Minnesota-Duluth for the 2024-25 season.

“One of the better “big” guys in the draft, Kleber has shot himself into top-40 territory in the eyes of many scouts. Kleber is a University of Minnesota-Duluth commit, and his 6-foot-5, 209-pound frame makes him tantalizing. He doesn’t put a ton of points on the board, but he will punish you with his strength and work ethic. Kleber had an excellent second half to the season, which saw him look more comfortable moving the puck and outskating opponents. Teams like right-shot defenders with his type of profile, especially since he can move pretty well, too. I feel like the ceiling is high here.”

Buffalo is slated to pick next at No. 76 overall in the third round.