Sabres select Ryan Johnson 31st overall

The Buffalo Sabres chose Ryan Johnson with the final pick of the first round at the 2019 NHL Draft.

Ryan Johnson

Position: Defense
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 170 lbs
Age: 17
Club: Sioux Falls (USHL)
Nationality: American

(Stats courtesy: EliteProspects.com)

Johnson, who turns 18 on July 24, impressed in his first USHL campaign, making the All-Rookie team and helping Sioux Falls capture the Clark Cup.

The blue-liner is committed to the University of Minnesota for the 2019-20 campaign. He models his game after Chicago Blackhawks rearguard Duncan Keith, according to NHL.com.

What they're saying

"What immediately stands out is his skating. He's an effortless skater who can evade checks and generate clean zone exits with his feet. He's not a blazing fast skater, but his edges and first step are high-end. Johnson has a good skill level but that part of his game didn't stand out as much as his feet. Some scouts think his puck game is great, but I've seen him just good in that regard." - The Athletic's Corey Pronman

"He's a very strong skater and passer. He's a really good defender. His offense is untapped and his offensive abilities improved over the course of the season." - Stampede GM/coach Scott Owens, according to Pronman