Buffalo Sabres Prospects Prepare For Memorial Cup
(Photo: Melissa Kania)
MEMORIAL CUP HOSTS: LONDON KNIGHTS
The host London Knights team features two Sabres prospects – the only Buffalo prospects participating in this year’s tournament.
Nikita Zadorov, 19, is in his second season with the Knights. He rejoined the team in November after appearing in seven NHL games with the Sabres, a stint that included his first NHL goal on October 23.
The defenseman had 30 points, 43 penalty minutes and was a plus-30 in 36 regular season games with London. He’s averaged a point-per-game in the playoffs, notching four goals and five assists in nine games.
Zadorov was drafted by the Sabres with the 16th overall selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Brady Austin, 20, spent most of the regular season with the Knights after being traded there by the Belleville Bulls. He ended the season with 33 points in 67 games and 51 penalty minutes on the year. He appeared in just four playoff games with the Knights after being sick for part of the postseason. Austin had one goal and two assists in those four games.
This season was Austin’s fifth in the OHL — and his last, since he turns 21 this summer. The Sabres would have to sign him in order for him to go to the Rochester Americans next season; he could also wind up playing in the ECHL or another similar league. Austin was drafted by the Sabres in 2012, 193rd overall.
There are several other NHL prospects on the Knights with Zadorov and Austin. The London roster also includes Max Domi (Phoenix Coyotes), Michael McCarron (Montreal Canadiens), Bo Horvat (Vancouver Canucks) and goaltender Anthony Stolarz (Philadelphia Flyers). Stolarz was suspended during the OHL playoffs, but was deemed eligible to play in the Memorial Cup.
Also on the Knights are two CSS-ranked prospects for this year’s draft: left winger Christian Dvorak (71) and right winger Chandler Yakimowicz (153).