Gavin McCarthy, a young Buffalo Sabres prospect, has a chance to live out a childhood dream. McCarthy grew up in Clarence, New York, which is just 30 minutes from downtown Buffalo. In this year’s NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres selected the 18 year old defenseman as the 22nd pick of the 3rd round.
McCarthy said in his post-draft interview, “I grew up, obviously, a Sabres fan. Still, follow them to this day. I’m just super excited.” He continued by saying he was ready to, “go to camp and earn my spot, and continue to earn my spot the next couple years. Obviously, that’s the goal to get to that level and play with some of those guys. So, super pumped for that, super excited.”
Gavin McCarthy spent three years playing for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. For the last two years, McCarthy has been playing in the USHL for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Last season, the Lumberjacks finished 7th in the Eastern Conference with an overall record of 27-32-3, just 12 points short of a playoff spot. McCarthy’s best statistical season with the Lumberjacks was last year. In 42 games, the Sabres prospect had 8 goals and 19 assists, totaling in 27 points.
Next year, McCarthy will be attending Boston University. The Terriers last season went 29-11-0, winning the Hockey East Tournament over Merrimack, and the NCAA Manchester Regional over Western Michigan and Cornell. Boston University’s season would end with a 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Frozen Four. This season, McCarthy will have the chance to play alongside his brother, Case McCarthy. Case McCarthy was the assistant captain last year, and will be the captain heading into the 2023-2024 season. Case McCarthy was also drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2019.
The Buffalo Sabres have built themselves a young defensive core over the past few seasons. On top of Gavin McCarthy, Buffalo already has 23-year-old Rasmus Dahlin and 20-year-old Owen Power as consistent starters in their lineup. It will be exciting to watch what these rising defensive stars can do in the future.
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