Finally, an easy one.Back in March, I mentioned the possibility of the Sabres considering Nathan Lieuwen in the late rounds.
Sure enough, the 6’5 netminder was available in round six and the Sabres astutely scooped him up. From the 2011 Draft Preview:
“An athletic 6’5 netminder, Lieuwen was once a highly rated draft prospect that saw his stock fall due to a concussion in his draft year. It took some time to regain his consistency, but he evolved into a reliable force in his third draft eligible season. After posting 33 wins and a 2.79 goals against average behind a Brayden McNabb-led defense, the refreshed 19-year old earned WHL playoff MVP honors by backstopping the ICE to their third Memorial Cup appearance.
Lieuwen is still somewhat of a raw goaltending prospect. His lateral movement needs work and he seems to have an issue catching the puck. I’m not sure how far he can take his game, but the huge stopper could theoretically be your stopgap #2 in the AHL next season. Think of him late as a “let’s see if he develops” type of pick if other options have been exhausted.”
Site Title 
Leave a comment