Buffalo Sabres: How Aleksandr Kisakov fits into the organization
On Wednesday, former second-round pick Aleksandr Kisakov signed an entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres organization.
The 53rd overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres added yet another potentially dominant puzzle piece to their organization in Aleksandr Kisakov. The 19-year-old spent most of the 2021-22 season playing for MHK Dynamo Moskva of the MHL, pacing the club with 56 points in 51 games.
A versatile player, Kisakov can play both left wing and center, and he comes to the organization during a time where many of its younger talent like Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka will move on up to the NHL ranks. So where does Kisakov fit in this puzzle?
Aleksandr Kisakov signs entry-level deal with the Buffalo Sabres organization: How he fits in
A dynamic scorer, Kisakov compiled 73 points in 61 games in 2020-21, giving him a total of 124 points (62 goals) over the past two seasons. Given his slight frame, Kisakov is one of those rare skaters well-versed in changing direction at will, even when right in front of opponents. This ability makes him ideal for breakaways and taking the puck into open ice.
With shorter strides, however, Kisakov is not a fast skater, something Ben Kerr of The Last Word on Sports pointed out. Instead, he relies purely on agility to keep the puck away from defenders and to find ways to get open when not in possession of the puck.
Despite his offensive ability, Kisakov remains a work in progress. He made a four-game cameo with his team’s KHL parent club, but was virtually a non-factor. Look for him to spend time in the AHL ranks for 2022-23, and expect the Sabres to try and add bulk to his ultra-lean frame. If his offensive game carries over from the MHL, expect a Jack Quinn-J.J. Peterka type of season in Rochester from Kisakov.
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However, Kisakov also needs to work on honing his defensive game if he wants a chance at joining the Sabres main roster. Look for at least one if not multiple developmental years in the AHL and a potential cameo in the NHL if needed, at least through 2024.
(Statistics provided by Elite Prospects)