Pittsburgh, PA (WGR 550)  -- The Buffalo Sabres have traded up to the 14th overall pick to select  Zemgus Girgensons from the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL.

Here is TSN's Craig Button with analysis of Girgensons:

Zemgus is a hard player. Hard on the puck, hard on the body, hard competitor, hard working and hard to play against. He is industrious and purposeful but one can't underestimate his skills. His skating is strong with excellent balance which makes it very difficult for opponents to deter him, let alone knock him awry. He has very good puck skills and while there may not be a deft touch to his passing, there certainly is an effectiveness and accuracy to it. He has a good shot but has a burning desire to take the puck to the net. He's like the running back who excels in goal line situations, going through the gauntlet has more appeal and satisfaction than making it untouched. His sense is very good and he plays equally well in offensive and defensive situations. He plays with a determination that will overwhelm those who are not up to the challenge. He's the player you love to have on your side and hate to play against. 

Girgensons scored 19 goals and 44 points for the Fighting Saints last season.  At 6'2", 198 lb., the Sabres may have found a big center they've been looking for, after drafting the skilled Mikhail Grigorenko. 

Buffalo gave up the 21st and 42nd overall picks to acquire the 14th overall pick from the Flames.